Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing it of acting in a partisan manner after what he described as a failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In a post on his verified X account on Friday, Atiku said he visited El-Rufai at his residence in solidarity following the incident.
“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.
Photos shared from the visit showed Atiku and El-Rufai in a closed-door meeting.
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The ICPC has not yet responded to the allegation.
Reports had earlier emerged that security operatives attempted to stop El-Rufai at the airport after his return to Nigeria, but his aides claimed no warrant was presented. They alleged that a confrontation ensued before he was eventually allowed to leave, with his passport reportedly seized.
The development comes amid heightened political tension following El-Rufai’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his public criticism of federal authorities.
El-Rufai has previously warned that he could be targeted by security agencies, citing the arrest of some of his associates.
