Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called for due process and fairness in the handling of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.
In a statement issued on Friday, Frank urged authorities to ensure that El-Rufai’s rights are protected and that he is granted an adequate opportunity to prepare his defence.
Frank said the former governor voluntarily presented himself to security agencies upon his return to Nigeria from Egypt and stressed that the anti-corruption fight must be carried out in line with the rule of law.
“For the umpteenth time, I reiterate my support for the fight against corruption. However, fairness, justice, rule of law, and due process must never be sacrificed under any circumstance,” he said.
He also appealed to northern leaders, youths, civil society organisations, and the international community to intervene and demand El-Rufai’s release.
“I pray that northern elders and youths will not sit back and watch anything untoward happen to Mallam El-Rufai,” Frank said.
The former APC spokesman also appealed to stakeholders across the country, including the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, traditional rulers, northern youths, and civil society organisations, to monitor developments surrounding El-Rufai’s case.
“I therefore call on the Nigerian Bar Association, religious leaders, northern elders, traditional rulers, northern youths, civil society organisations, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to urgently demand his immediate release so he can adequately prepare for his defence,” Frank stated.
He described El-Rufai as a prominent political figure who played a significant role during the 2023 general elections and advised Nigerians to closely follow the developments related to his detention.
Frank further urged security agencies to act professionally and transparently in the matter, while maintaining that the principles of justice and accountability should guide all actions taken against the former governor.
El-Rufai has remained a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape following his tenure as governor of Kaduna State and his involvement in national politics.
The PUNCH