Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has explained why he declined to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing his decision as an exercise of his constitutional right rather than an act of defiance.
El-Rufai, who is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC investigators on February 19 and 20, 2026. The statements were made under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
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In the statements, the former governor maintained that the investigation was politically motivated and stated that he would only address any allegations against him in a court of law. He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the commission should present its findings before a judicial tribunal instead of continuing to subject him to questioning.
In his first statement, dated February 19, 2026, El-Rufai wrote:
“I have read the above cautionary statement and I understand its meaning and implication. I wish to voluntarily state, in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong Akpan, Esq., from the chambers of Ubong Akpan.”
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, he reaffirmed his position after investigators presented him with additional documents.
The second statement read:
“In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February 2026 and in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence on all the documents and further questions.
As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a Court of Law.”
El-Rufai further alleged that his position as a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had made him a target of political pressure. He described the ADC as the country’s only surviving opposition force.
Meanwhile, the ICPC previously obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari. The order is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.