Atiku Sends Message to El-Rufai as Ex-Kaduna Governor Visits EFCC on Birthday
- Atiku Abubakar has publicly celebrated Nasir El-Rufai on his birthday with a message shared on X
- The message came amid renewed public attention around El-Rufai’s current political and legal situation
- Atiku praised El-Rufai’s record and wished him strength, peace and guidance
Legit.ng Journalist Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award winner, with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance, and accountability in Nigeria.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sent a message to ex-Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on the occasion of his birthday.
Atiku’s message came the same day El-Rufai visited the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),

Source: Twitter
The development has continued to draw attention amid the former governor’s ongoing political and legal troubles.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku described El-Rufai as a man of “intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity,” while also referencing what he called political persecution.
“Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, @elrufai. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity,” Atiku wrote.
“Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable. I wish him strength, peace, and Allah’s guidance in the years ahead. -AA.”
What is going on with El-Rufai?
El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State and a key political figure, has in recent weeks been in the spotlight following a wave of public controversies and legal developments.
The former governor has also been vocal in criticising the current administration, while alleging that some of his allies have faced arrests and pressure.
His reported appearance at the EFCC on his birthday has further fueled speculation, especially as attention remains on ongoing investigations and fresh legal battles involving political actors in the country.

Source: Twitter
El-Rufai sends strong warning to FG
Recall that Legit.ng reports that former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has criticised what he described as the growing culture of unlawful detention in Nigeria, warning that the practice undermines democracy and erodes public trust in government.

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El-Rufai spoke on Thursday at the 23rd Annual Daily Trust Dialogue held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, where leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors gathered to discuss governance and national development.
FG files charges against El-Rufai
The Federal Government has formally charged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of unlawful phone interception involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents list three counts, citing breaches of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The charges follow El-Rufai’s public statements on Arise TV, where he allegedly admitted knowledge of the interception and associated individuals.
El-Rufai hails FG’s action for the first time
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Nasir El-Rufai commended the federal government’s stance on banditry after the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), reiterated that the government does not pay ransom to kidnappers.
El-Rufai, who had consistently opposed ransom payments during his time as governor, praised the defence minister for publicly affirming the policy.
E-Rufai was reacting to Musa’s recent remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa, where the minister dismissed claims that the government negotiates with bandits or pays ransom to secure the release of abducted victims.
Source: Legit.ng
