I’m being targeted because of my political affiliation - EL-RUFAI

Friday, March, 6 2026 - Nasir El-Rufai has told investigators from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that the probe into his activities is “politically motivated”.

The ICPC is currently investigating El-Rufai over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. The former governor and ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory has been in the custody of the anti-graft agency since February 19 after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

According to documents cited in a counter-affidavit filed at the FCT High Court, ICPC investigators obtained handwritten statements from El-Rufai on February 19 and February 20, 2026, as part of their investigation. The statements were taken in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong Akpan.

In his February 19 statement, El-Rufai said the investigation was linked to his political affiliation. “I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me,” he wrote.

El-Rufai also said he would exercise his constitutional right to remain silent and would not answer questions from investigators. “In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question.”

He added that after almost two years of investigation, the commission should present its findings to a judicial tribunal instead of continuing the questioning. “I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only,” he said.

El-Rufai argued that the investigation amounts to political persecution that should ultimately be determined by a judge. “This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon.”

In the second statement obtained on February 20, the former governor again declined to answer questions, reiterating that he would only address the allegations in court.

The investigation forms part of ongoing scrutiny into the finances and policies implemented during El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State.