Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has visited former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following reports that security operatives allegedly tried to arrest the former governor at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The visit highlights rising tensions over alleged political intimidation and concerns about due process in Nigeria.
According to sources, El‑Rufai had just returned from Cairo, Egypt, aboard an EgyptAir flight when security agents, reportedly from the Department of State Services (DSS) and other operatives, approached him for arrest. No formal arrest warrant or summons was presented, and the attempt reportedly failed after El‑Rufai declined to accompany the officers. During the confrontation, his international passport was allegedly seized before the operatives withdrew.
Atiku, speaking after the visit at El‑Rufai’s Abuja residence, said the former governor was “unfazed by the incident” and remains committed to his political engagements. He condemned the alleged arrest attempt as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and humiliating, stressing that authorities could have issued a formal invitation instead of confronting El‑Rufai publicly at the airport.
The former vice-president also accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of partisanship, suggesting that the move against El‑Rufai appeared politically motivated, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku’s visit was described as a gesture of solidarity, reaffirming the need to protect the rights of opposition figures and uphold democratic norms.
El‑Rufai’s legal team has condemned the airport incident as a violation of constitutional rights, vowing that he would cooperate with lawful processes but will not be subjected to intimidation. Earlier, former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi had also visited El‑Rufai to express support.
Civil society groups and political commentators have reacted to the development, warning that such alleged actions by security agencies could erode public trust in democratic institutions and undermine the rule of law. The DSS and other security bodies involved have not yet released an official statement regarding the attempted arrest.
This incident has sparked national debate about the balance between law enforcement powers and citizens’ constitutional rights, especially for political leaders actively engaged in opposition politics.
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