African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu has claimed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is being detained because of his political influence and the threat he poses to those in power.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Momodu described El-Rufai, despite his flaws, as one of the most brilliant politicians from Northern Nigeria.
He said the former governor’s political strength is the reason he remains under close watch and 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 authorities could have granted El-Rufai bail so he could continue his legal battle from home. Momodu also expressed concern that some of El-Rufai’s political allies, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, have failed to speak up for him.
Recalling El-Rufai’s role in the process that brought President Bola Tinubu to power, Momodu said the situation reflects poorly on 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 stated.
Momodu urged people of conscience to call for El-Rufai’s release.“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.