El-Rufai Live condemns alleged political intimidation at Abuja airport

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The convener of El-Rufai Live, Yazid Lawal Ahmed, has strongly condemned what he described as an act of political intimidation following the reported attempt to detain former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a public address, Dr. Ahmed characterized the incident as a disturbing development that raises critical concerns about democratic rights, institutional accountability, and adherence to due process in Nigeria. According to accounts attributed to El-Rufai’s legal representatives, operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly attempted to detain the former governor shortly after his arrival in Abuja from a period of medical rest abroad.

The development has sparked widespread reactions among political observers and civil society voices, many of whom argue that enforcement actions involving high-profile public figures must strictly comply with transparent legal procedures. Dr. Ahmed stated that any deviation from established protocols not only undermines public confidence but also risks normalizing what he termed institutional overreach in a democratic setting.

He further asserted that prior official communication had taken place between El-Rufai’s legal team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, during which the former governor reportedly expressed his readiness to honor an invitation through a scheduled appearance. According to him, disregarding such an arrangement erodes institutional credibility and creates the perception of selective or politically motivated enforcement.

Citing eyewitness reports, Dr. Ahmed alleged that no lawful warrant was presented at the time of the attempted detention and that the former governor’s international passport was forcefully seized. He described the reported actions as a direct affront to constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including personal liberty, dignity, freedom of movement, and property rights. He maintained that these rights remain fundamental safeguards that cannot be bypassed through operational discretion or political pressure.

The convener also suggested that the episode reflects a broader pattern in Nigeria’s political evolution, where individuals perceived as reform-oriented often encounter resistance from entrenched interests. He pointed to El-Rufai’s record in governance restructuring and public sector reforms as evidence of a leadership style that challenged established power structures.

According to Dr. Ahmed, the reaction of ordinary Nigerians present at the airport, who reportedly demanded adherence to lawful procedures before any attempt at detention, signals a growing public awareness of constitutional protections. He noted that such civilian insistence on due process illustrates an increasingly vigilant citizenry unwilling to remain silent in the face of perceived injustice.

Beyond the immediate controversy, he warned that incidents of this nature carry long-term implications for public trust in law enforcement and security institutions. Democratic governance, he emphasized, depends on institutional neutrality, transparency, and predictability. Any perception of politically influenced enforcement, he argued, risks eroding confidence in national security and judicial systems.

Dr. Ahmed therefore called for the immediate return of the seized travel document, a transparent clarification of the legal grounds for the attempted arrest, and accountability from relevant authorities if due process was violated. He stressed that upholding constitutional order requires holding institutions to the same standards of legality and fairness they are mandated to enforce.

Concluding his remarks, the convener reaffirmed El-Rufai Live’s unwavering support for the former governor, describing him as a symbol of reform-driven leadership and political courage. He added that the movement would continue to advocate for democratic fairness, institutional accountability, and the protection of political voices that challenge governance shortcomings in Nigeria.