Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has broken his silence over the ICPC investigation, declaring he will respond to any allegations only in court. In handwritten statements submitted on February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai, under caution and in the presence of his lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, said his silence is not defiance […]
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has broken his silence over the ICPC investigation, declaring he will respond to any allegations only in court.
In handwritten statements submitted on February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai, under caution and in the presence of his lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, said his silence is not defiance but a constitutional right.
He described the ICPC’s probe as politically motivated and linked it to his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He urged the anti-graft agency to present its case before a judicial tribunal instead of continuing interrogations. El-Rufai also declined to comment on additional documents shown to him by investigators.
The ICPC had secured a 14-day remand order in a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, set to expire March 5, 2026. Observers say the coming 48 hours will be critical in deciding whether the case proceeds to court.
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Kaduna governor, asserted that the investigation targets him politically because the ADC is the only surviving opposition party in the country.
His decision underscores mounting tension between opposition figures and anti-graft agencies ahead of the 2027 elections.