Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, accusing the agency of acting in a partisan manner after what he described as a failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at an airport.
In a statement shared on social media, Atiku said he visited El-Rufai in solidarity following the incident, which reportedly occurred when the former governor returned to Nigeria.
He described El-Rufai as a key figure within the African Democratic Congress and condemned what he termed an unjustified move against him.
Photos posted online showed Atiku meeting privately with El-Rufai at his residence after the development.
The anti-corruption agency has yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
Rising political tension
The incident comes amid heightened political activity surrounding El-Rufai’s recent alignment with the ADC and his public criticism of federal authorities.
In recent weeks, the former governor had expressed concerns about possible actions by security agencies, citing his growing involvement in opposition politics.
Reports indicated that operatives attempted to stop him at the airport upon arrival, though no arrest was eventually made.
His aides claimed the officials did not present a warrant during the encounter, leading to a brief confrontation before he was allowed to leave the terminal.
As of the time of reporting, neither the ICPC nor any other security agency has formally confirmed the incident.
