The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned the Federal Government (FG) against intimidating former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The group issued the warning in response to speculations that El-Rufai might be arrested due to his recent criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration and his alleged connections with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, urged the FG to respect El-Rufai’s rights and avoid actions that could be perceived as political persecution. “Considering the immense contribution of former Governor El-Rufai to the victory of the ruling party at the 2023 general elections… we will like to advise the federal government against intimidating the former governor if the rumour is true,” Akintola said.
The former governor, who played a significant role in the APC’s success in past elections, has been vocal about his views on national issues. His recent criticisms of the current administration have sparked speculations that he may face political reprisals, a move MURIC believes would damage the government’s credibility.
Akintola stressed that any attempt to silence El-Rufai through intimidation would undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s democratic credentials. “Doing so will stain the good name of the Tinubu administration as a democratic government and portray it as one willing to crack down on dissent,” he warned.
MURIC further argued that in a democratic society, freedom of expression and movement must be upheld. The group insisted that suppressing opposition voices would send the wrong message both locally and internationally, potentially affecting Nigeria’s global reputation.
Rather than restricting El-Rufai, MURIC suggested that allowing him to move freely would earn the government more respect. “On the contrary, with the realisation that we now live in a global village, allowing El-Rufai to move freely in and out of the country will continue to earn FG humongous modicum of respect from the rest of the world,” Akintola stated.
