Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to immediately release former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unjust and politically motivated.

According to reports, that Atiku made the call in a statement issued on Friday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

In the statement, the former vice president described El-Rufai’s detention as “cruel, unjustifiable, and deeply troubling,” especially as Muslims prepare for the Eid al-Kabir celebration.

He argued that the situation raises serious concerns about the alleged misuse of state power against political opponents.

Atiku said the timing of the detention, during a significant religious period, made the matter even more sensitive and unacceptable.

“At a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid Kabir, a sacred season of sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and family reunion, it would be unconscionable for any government to weaponise state power in a manner that denies a citizen his liberty without just cause,” the statement read.

He further stressed that El-Rufai, regardless of political differences, is entitled to full constitutional protection, including his rights to dignity, liberty, and due process.

Atiku maintained that democracy does not give government institutions the right to intimidate or punish dissenting voices or political opponents.

The former vice president also called for transparency from the authorities, urging them to publicly disclose the legal basis for El-Rufai’s detention if it is backed by law.

“If Mallam El-Rufai is being held on the basis of any legitimate legal process, the authorities owe Nigerians full transparency. If not, then his continued detention can only reinforce fears of growing intolerance,” he said.

Atiku added that Eid al-Kabir represents mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation, insisting that no citizen should be deprived of liberty without due process.

He therefore urged relevant authorities to secure El-Rufai’s immediate release and to act in the interest of justice, peace, and national unity.