Atiku Calls for Release of El-Rufai, Others During Solidarity Visit to Malami
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on authorities to release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other individuals he described as political detainees, warning against the use of state power to suppress dissent.
Atiku made the call following his return to Nigeria on Saturday night from Umrah (lesser Hajj), after which he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
In a statement, the former vice president said the visit was part of efforts to show support and unity among political stakeholders, while also addressing what he termed growing concerns over political intolerance in the country.
He urged authorities responsible for the detention of El-Rufai and others to release them without delay, stressing that no individual should be held solely for holding differing political views or belonging to an opposing political platform.
“At no point should citizens be detained simply because they do not share the same ideology or political alignment with the government of the day,” Atiku stated.
The former presidential candidate emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values, rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights, noting that political pluralism remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
The solidarity visit to Malami comes amid heightened political tensions and ongoing debates over civil liberties and the treatment of opposition figures across the country.
Atiku’s remarks are expected to further fuel national discourse on governance, political freedoms, and adherence to constitutional principles.
