‘Probe Is Political’ — El-Rufai Refuses To Answer ICPC, Insists On Court Trial

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained why he declined to respond to questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, describing the investigation against him as politically motivated.

In handwritten statements made under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026, while in ICPC custody and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, the former governor said his decision to remain silent was deliberate and in exercise of his constitutional rights.

El-Rufai maintained that he would only respond to any allegations before a court of law.

“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 wrote in his first statement dated February 19.

He added that after what he described as nearly two years of investigation, the anti-graft agency should present its findings before a judicial tribunal.

“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 stated.

The former governor further alleged that the probe was driven by politics, claiming his affiliation with the African Democratic Congress was the “real reason” behind the investigation.

“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.

Providing personal background in the statement, El-Rufai said he was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, attended school in Kaduna and obtained his first degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University. He also listed academic stints at Harvard University and the University of London.

He outlined his public service career, including serving as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises between 1999 and 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and two-term governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.

In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reiterated his stance.

“Upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions… I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law,” he wrote.

El-Rufai may regain his freedom on Thursday if the ICPC fails to file charges before the expiration of a 14-day remand order granted by a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari. The detention warrant is due to lapse on March 5, 2026.

The ICPC has yet to publicly respond to the former governor’s claims that the investigation is politically motivated.

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Yola, Adamawa State — Adamu Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from his role as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State. The resignation comes in the wake of recent political shifts in the state, including the defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and several cabinet members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to Governor Fintiri, Adamu cited “deep personal reflection and careful consideration” as the reason for stepping down. He described his tenure as an honour and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the privilege of contributing to the state’s infrastructural development.

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Adamu also thanked the people of Adamawa State for their support throughout his time in office and acknowledged the trust placed in him by the governor, stating that the enabling environment allowed him to discharge his duties with commitment and diligence. He concluded the letter with prayers for the governor, asking Allah to grant him continued strength and guidance in serving the state.

Observers note that Adamu’s resignation is particularly significant because he chose not to follow Governor Fintiri and other commissioners in defecting to the APC on February 27, 2026. His absence from the group of 22 commissioners who announced the defection highlighted a deliberate decision to chart his own course in the current political landscape.

Political analysts suggest that Adamu’s move may reflect personal conviction or a strategic step towards future political ambitions. During his tenure, he oversaw key initiatives in infrastructure and energy development, although his departure leaves questions about continuity and the future leadership of the ministry.

Governor Fintiri has yet to announce a replacement for Adamu, though insiders indicate that a shortlist of potential successors is being considered. Analysts believe the resignation adds a new layer to Adamawa State politics, particularly as the state navigates party realignments and positions itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

The Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her comments on the recent FCT local government council elections, insisting that elections are a process, not a one-day event.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike emphasised that voters, not surveys or last-minute claims, determine election results. He explained that preparations for elections begin well before voting day, from candidate nomination and party primaries to campaigns and voter engagement, noting that a survey conducted on February 21 should not be used as a definitive reflection of outcomes.

“It’s a process that starts from the nomination of candidates. It’s a process that goes through a campaign before it gets to an election. So election is not just that particular date of voting,” Wike said.

He compared the electoral process to exam preparation, warning that those who fail to prepare often make excuses.

“You know the exam will come in two or three months. Nobody waits for the last minute to prepare. You must attend classes and read,” Wike explained.
“That is why students who are not prepared call for strikes to avoid the exam,” he added.

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Wike also referenced claims by Kingibe, who reportedly vowed to use the February 21 council elections to “teach me a lesson”. He dismissed this as politically motivated, noting that some parties had earlier suggested that the council election could influence the 2027 general election.

The minister rejected allegations that he declared a curfew, saying the decision he referenced was approved by President and granted residents a work-free day to travel safely to their areas of origin.

“By the approval of Mr. President, people were given a work-free day so they could travel and not return late. I never declared any curfew,” Wike said.

He added that, as a minister representing the President, his decisions are guided by security intelligence reports unavailable to the public.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions in the FCT, where electoral credibility and governance remain contentious ahead of upcoming elections.

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks