Atiku Accuses ICPC of Partisanship After Failed Attempt to Arrest El-Rufai

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of acting in a partisan manner following a reported failed attempt to arrest former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at the airport.

In a post on X on Friday, Atiku said he paid a solidarity visit to El-Rufai at a private residence after the alleged incident.

“Last night, I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt by the partisan ICPC to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country,” he wrote.

The ICPC has not responded to the allegations, and security agencies have yet to confirm the attempted arrest.

The report comes amid heightened political tension, following El-Rufai’s association with the ADC and his recent public criticism of federal authorities.

Sources say he had raised concerns over possible moves by security agencies against him due to his opposition engagements.

According to his aides, security operatives attempted to stop El-Rufai at the airport without presenting a warrant, leading to a confrontation before he was eventually allowed to leave the terminal.