Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has broken his silence on his refusal to respond to questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing the investigation as politically motivated persecution.
In two handwritten statements submitted under caution on February 19 and 20, 2026 — made in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan — El-Rufai exercised his constitutional right to silence.
He framed his decision not as defiance but as a principled stand, insisting he will only address any allegations in a court of law.
In his February 19 statement, El-Rufai wrote in full:
“I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan. My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and grew up mostly in Kaduna State.
“I attended school in Kaduna, and went to Ahmadu Bello University for my first degree in Quantity Surveying. I also attended Harvard University and the University of London, among others. I studied Business Administration, Public Administration and Law.
“My working career spans quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications and public service. I was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007) and twice-elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am retired and live mostly in Egypt with half of my family and 96-year-old mother.
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me.
“In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), 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. 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.
“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon. Thank you.”
In his February 20 statement, he reiterated:
“In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February, 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that 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.”
El-Rufai claimed his leadership role in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — which he described as Nigeria’s only surviving opposition party — is the primary reason for the probe.
The ICPC has not yet filed formal charges. El-Rufai is expected to regain his freedom on Thursday, March 5, 2026, if the commission fails to do so before the expiration of its 14-day remand order from the Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari.
The next 48 hours will determine whether the matter proceeds to court or ends at the investigation stage.
