Political Motivation Behind Silence
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has chosen not to respond to questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He claims that his trial is politically motivated. This decision came after he was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 16. Although the anti-graft agency released him on bail after 48 hours, the ICPC immediately took him into custody.
In two written responses to ICPC operatives, El-Rufai emphasized that his silence is a constitutional right. He insists that he will only address the allegations against him in court. His statements were made in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan.
Background and Career
El-Rufai provided a detailed account of his background during the statement. He mentioned that he was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and spent most of his childhood in Kaduna State. He attended school in Kaduna and earned his first degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University. He further pursued studies at Harvard University and the University of London, where he studied Business Administration, Public Administration, and Law.
His professional career spans various sectors, including quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications, and public service. He served as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003, and as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007. El-Rufai was twice elected Governor of Kaduna State, serving from 2015 to 2023. He is currently retired and resides mostly in Egypt with half of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
Political Affiliation and Allegations
El-Rufai also highlighted his political affiliation, stating that he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria. He suggested that this is the real reason for the investigation against him.
In response to the questions posed by the ICPC, he stated, “On the advice of counsel, I have decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question.” He added that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal rather than to him. He emphasized that he will only respond to any allegations in a court of law.
Further Statement and Legal Position
In another statement, El-Rufai reiterated his position. He wrote, “Upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law.”
He also expressed his belief that the investigations do not amount to lawful entitlement, suggesting they are part of political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon.
Family’s Perspective
Bello El-Rufai, the son of the former governor, accused the ICPC of weaponizing his father’s silence against him. This accusation adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the nature and intent behind the investigation.
