Atiku calls for El-Rufai release after visiting Malami, urging authorities to free political detainees and respect democratic rights

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday, 23 March 2026, called for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following a visit to former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, in Abuja, in what has now been described as the Atiku calls for El-Rufai release intervention.

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Atiku, who recently returned to Nigeria after performing the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, disclosed the development via a post on his verified X account, stating that he led a delegation on a solidarity visit to Malami upon arrival in the country.

During the visit, Atiku Abubakar urged authorities to release Nasir El-Rufai and other individuals he referred to as political detainees, stressing that detention should not be influenced by political disagreement or ideological differences.

He argued that democratic governance requires respect for fundamental rights, insisting that no citizen should be held on the basis of political affiliation or opposition views.

The Atiku calls for El-Rufai release statement adds a fresh dimension to ongoing political tensions surrounding the former Kaduna governor, who has remained a subject of public and legal scrutiny in recent months.

Meanwhile, Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation, is currently facing multiple legal proceedings, including allegations relating to terrorism financing, illegal possession of firearms, and a separate ₦8.7 billion fraud and money laundering case.

Court proceedings in Abuja have continued, with prosecution witnesses presenting financial documents linked to corporate accounts under investigation. The matter has been adjourned to April 20 for continuation of hearing.

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Malami, alongside his wife and son, was present during the latest court session as exhibits were admitted by the Federal High Court.

The growing political debate surrounding the Atiku calls for El-Rufai release comments underscores widening divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future electoral cycles.