Atiku Slams ‘Partisan’ ICPC over Failed Attempt to Arrest El-Rufai

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission of acting in a partisan manner following what he described as a failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at the airport.

Atiku, in a post on X on Friday, said he paid a solidarity visit to El-Rufai after the incident, which occurred when the former governor arrived in the country.

“Last night, I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt by the partisan ICPC to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country,” Atiku wrote.

The former vice-president shared photos from the visit, showing him in a closed-door meeting with El-Rufai at a private residence.

The ICPC is yet to respond to the allegation as of the time of filing this report.

The development comes amid growing political tension following El-Rufai’s recent association with the African Democratic Congress and public criticism of federal authorities.

El-Rufai has, in recent weeks, raised concerns about possible moves by security agencies against him, following his public criticisms of the Federal Government and his growing engagement with opposition politics.

Reports emerged on Thursday that security operatives attempted to stop him at the airport shortly after his return to Nigeria.

His aides claimed the operatives did not present a warrant, leading to a confrontation before he was eventually allowed to leave the terminal.

Neither the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission nor any security agency has officially confirmed the incident.