Atiku, Obi, Others Asked to Speak Out Against El-Rufai, Malami Detentions

The Coalition Political Action Committee (COPAC) has urged prominent opposition leaders to publicly condemn what it describes as politically motivated injustice in the ongoing detention of former Nasir El-Rufai and former Abubakar Malami, SAN.

In a statement released on March 9, 2026, COPAC convener Aminu Datti-Ahmed warned that the Federal Government cannot suspend the rule of law for political convenience.

The group emphasized that the 14-day remand order for El-Rufai granted on February 19 for investigative purposes has now expired without formal charges being filed.

“The Federal Government must either file charges in court or release the detainee immediately,” the statement declared.

“Continued detention beyond this point is unlawful, unconstitutional, and an abuse of state power.”

COPAC cited Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects personal liberty and restricts investigative detention to a reasonable timeframe leading to either prosecution or release.

The coalition also accused security agencies of violating Nigeria’s international obligations under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary detention.

The group pointed to a “disturbing pattern” of selective targeting of opposition figures and criticized the silence of fellow opposition leaders as “dangerous and irresponsible.” It specifically appealed to:

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Labour Party’s Peter Obi

Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso

Senator Aminu Tambuwal to speak out against the detentions and defend democratic accountability.“This is not just about El-Rufai or Malami,” the statement continued.

“It is about ensuring the rule of law remains impartial and is never weaponized against political opponents.”COPAC adapted a historical warning to highlight the risks of inaction:“First they came for Tambuwal… then Malami… then Kwankwaso… then El-Rufai… and when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.”

The coalition insisted that if credible evidence exists, authorities should file charges promptly in open court. “If not, release must follow. The Constitution is not optional, and Nigerians will not stand silent if fundamental liberties are treated as disposable. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy not a police state.”

The statement aligns with earlier complaints from El-Rufai’s family and legal team, who have described his detention as unlawful since the remand period lapsed and are seeking remedies, including compensation for rights violations.

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