Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday night paid a solidarity visit to his political ally and former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who narrowly escaped being arrested at the Abuja airport.
Atiku shared a video and photos of the visit on X on Friday morning.
“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,” he said.
The ex-VP was accompanied on the visit by several political associates and aides.
In the video, Atiku strongly condemned the action, saying there was absolutely no reason for authorities to “embarrass” the ex-governor at the airport.
He said, “This is a democratic society, a society based on rule of law.
“And there was absolutely no need for you to be tried to be kidnapped, I would say, from the airport.
“I mean they could allow you to get to your house and then invite you.”
Atiku emphasised that having held important positions including governor and minister, El-Rufai’s ordeal was an embarrassment to the entire political class.
“We condemn it in totality and we’ll stand by you and protect your interests and the interests of every law-abiding Nigerian,” he added.
Atiku alleged that some anti-democratic forces that undermined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were trying to do same to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) using the judiciary.
However, he did not name those behind such plots.
“We must be alert and stand up against those plans to undermine the opposition.
“This is very credible information so we must all be at alert and make sure that the judiciary is not used to undermine the ADC, just as it has been used to destroy the PDP,” he said.
Responding, El-Rufai thanked Atiku for visiting his home for the second time in six months to commiserate with him over “inciting incidents”, the second being the face-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja earlier in the day.
He further appreciated the ex-VP for showing concern for his personal wellbeing and promised to be eternally grateful.
El-Rufai described the airport incident as “most unfortunate, totally unnecessary and probably criminal as well”.
He observed that government agencies have rules of engagement that should be adhered to.
The ex-governor said all he asked for was a letter of invitation and he would have honoured it.
He accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of “procuring” the Department of State Services (DSS) to “abduct” and hand him over to them.
He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had written a letter of invitation but his lawyer responded that he was abroad and would honour the invitation upon return.
“But ICPC, I never heard anything from them,” he said.
