A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has alleged that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is being detained because of his political influence and the perceived threat he poses to those in power.
Momodu described El-Rufai as one of the most intelligent politicians from Northern Nigeria, despite what he called his imperfections.
He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
According to the ADC chieftain, El-Rufai’s political strength is the reason he is being closely monitored and kept in detention.
“The only reason he’s being caged and being watched round the clock is because he is a lion, and they know a lion could be dangerous. I am telling you, the longer they keep him, the worse the situation,” Momodu said.
He argued that the authorities could have granted the former governor bail, allowing him to continue addressing his legal challenges from home.
Momodu also expressed concern about the silence of some of El-Rufai’s political associates, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a protégé of the former governor.
The ADC chieftain recalled El-Rufai’s role in the political process that led to President Bola Tinubu’s emergence as president, saying his current situation raised questions about the state of Nigerian politics.
“It scares me about Nigerian politics that people, even Uba Sani, who was supposed to be a protege, is not able to fight for him because they believe it will be too dangerous if he is outside,” he said.
Momodu urged Nigerians, particularly people of conscience, to speak out against El-Rufai’s continued detention.
“All men and women of conscience should speak up and say Mallam Nasir El-Rufai should not be caged. But if they don’t listen, a caged lion is still very dangerous,” he added.
