Why El-Rufai May Spend More Months in Detention, Analyst Gives Reason
- Nasir El-Rufai's detention was expected to extend as the 2027 elections approach
- A political analyst, Omotayo Yusuf, suggested that the APC was strategically managing El-Rufai's situation
- El-Rufai had filed a multi-billion naira damages suit against the alleged illegal detention
Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, has been projected to likely spend more time in detention than expected ahead of the 2027 election, according to an analyst, Omotayo Yusuf.
El-Rufai, who dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after he was denied a ministerial slot through Senate screening, reported to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his return to Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
How ICPC arrested Nasir El-Rufai
He was then arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), after being released by the EFCC and has been in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
In fighting back, the former governor had filed multiple human rights charges against the federal government agencies. The suits sought the enforcement of El-Rufai's fundamental rights against security and anti-graft agencies, which included the Department of State Services (DSS), the ICPC, the EFCC, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Currently in the ICPC detention, El-Rufai has asked the commission for N15.6 billion in damages over his alleged illegal detention and other violations. El-Rufai had earlier filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the agency after his house was raided by the operatives of the ICPC.
Analyst speaks on Nasir El-Rufai's detention dilemma
Yusuf, a political analyst, made the projection while speaking in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, adding that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), understood the political catastrophe the former governor could cause, so they needed to keep him engaged.
The analyst maintained that the detention of El-Rufai is part of the bigger political game ahead of the 2027 general election, not only to deny him the opportunity of politicking, but to deny him the right frame of mind to do so. He said:
"For El-Rufai, I think the government plan is to keep him engaged, keep him focused on these issues, while the bigger political game is being played.
"As an astute politician, I think the APC understands how much problem El-Rufai can cause. Right now, what we are seeing is a political game where the ruling party is keeping El-Rufai engaged.
"Right now, he does not have, not only the opportunity, but also he is not in the right frame of mind for politicking right now as he chases his own freedom, and I think that's going to continue, more likely towards the better parts of the election."
Source: Twitter
ICPC denies El-Rufai bail move
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been denied a bail application by the ICPC, as a media aide gave an updated development on the matter.
The legal team of the former governor was said to have applied for bail for the former governor, but the anti-graft agency reportedly did not respond to the letter.
The continued detainment of El-Rufai has continued to raise concerns among the legal team and the family of the former governor.
Source: Legit.ng
