Nasir El-Rufai to Appear Before ICPC in Abuja Amid Political Persecution Claims
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is scheduled to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at their Abuja office. This development follows allegations of financial misconduct and a recent attempt by the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Background of the ICPC Invitation
El-Rufai disclosed the invitation through his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, who confirmed that the ICPC delivered a letter after the failed airport arrest on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The former governor, a vocal critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been indicted by the Kaduna House of Assembly for allegedly siphoning over N423 billion from state funds. El-Rufai has consistently denied these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated persecution.
In a post on his verified X account, El-Rufai stated, "Yesterday (Thursday, February 12), after the futile attempt to abduct me, the ICPC delivered a letter to invite me to their office. My lawyer has written to confirm that I will be attending the ICPC office on Wednesday, 18 February 2026." This announcement comes amid ongoing investigations by both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with the EFCC having previously sent an invitation to his residence while he was abroad.
Allegations of Political Persecution and Solidarity
The attempted arrest at the Abuja airport has sparked widespread criticism from opposition figures and supporters, who describe it as a violation of constitutional rights and executive overreach. El-Rufai had previously expressed fears of a politically motivated arrest upon his return to Nigeria from Cairo, Egypt. His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, emphasized that no government agency has the authority to detain citizens without due process, citing the Nigerian Constitution.
Notably, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a solidarity visit to El-Rufai, praising his resilience and commitment to Nigeria's development. Atiku shared photographs from their meeting, highlighting El-Rufai's unfazed demeanor despite the incident. Additionally, two associates of El-Rufai, Amadu Sule and Jimi Lawal, are currently facing charges of fraud and money laundering brought by the ICPC, further intensifying the scrutiny on the former governor.
Implications and Broader Context
This case underscores the ongoing tensions between opposition figures and the current administration, with allegations of corruption and political persecution at the forefront. El-Rufai's appearance before the ICPC is seen as a critical moment in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts, potentially influencing public opinion and political dynamics ahead of future elections. As the date approaches, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with many calling for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in the proceedings.
