A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest and continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing the development as “political persecution.”

Obi made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress in Kaduna, where he expressed concerns about what he termed growing threats to democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

He argued that the detention of El-Rufai by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) undermines fundamental legal principles, including the presumption of innocence and the right to fair treatment.

“It is a political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s arrest, noting that he had returned to the country voluntarily and should not be treated as a fugitive.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18 after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is also facing cybercrime charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), with a court hearing scheduled for April 23, 2026.

However, the former governor has filed suits against both the DSS and ICPC, alleging unlawful detention and abuse of power.

In response, the ICPC said El-Rufai’s continued detention is linked to ongoing investigations into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

Meanwhile, members of his family have called for his release, while his legal team, led by Ubong Esop Akpan, in a letter dated March 6, 2026, accused the anti-corruption agency of abuse of court process, unlawful detention, and misrepresentation before the courts.