Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the attempted arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a “national embarrassment.”

Atiku made the remarks on Thursday during a solidarity visit to El-Rufai at his residence in Abuja.

The attempted arrest occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly tried to detain El-Rufai shortly after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt, on Egypt Air flight MS 877. The incident has drawn widespread attention and reactions from various quarters.

Former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi had earlier visited El-Rufai to express similar support and solidarity.

During his visit, Atiku said,
"Society is based on the rule of law. There was no need for El-Rufai to be embarrassed or treated as if he were being kidnapped. They could have invited him to discuss matters at his residence. You have held high offices in government — as a Minister and as a Governor — and have successfully performed your duties. Embarrassing you in this way is an embarrassment to the entire society. We will stand by you and every law-abiding citizen of Nigeria."