Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, has clarified his refusal to respond to inquiries from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). He characterized his silence not as resistance, but as an exercise of his fundamental constitutional rights.
El-Rufai, who is reportedly under investigation by the anti-graft body, provided two handwritten statements to ICPC officials on February 19 and 20, 2026. He made these statements under caution and was accompanied by his legal counsel, Ubong E. Akpan.
In these submissions, the former governor asserted that the investigation against him was driven by political motives. He reiterated his stance that he would only engage with any allegations presented within the formal setting of a court.
He further contended that following an investigation period of nearly two years, the commission should instead present its conclusions before a judicial panel rather than continuing to question him directly.
In his initial statement dated February 19, El-Rufai stated: “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.
“My name is Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai. I was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and grew up mostly in Kaduna State.
“I attended school in Kaduna, and went to Ahmadu Bello University for my first degree in Quantity Surveying. I also attended Harvard University and the University of London, among other institutions. My academic pursuits included studies in Business Administration, Public Administration and Law.
“My career history encompasses quantity surveying consultancy, mobile telecommunications, and public service. My public service roles include Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999 to 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and two terms as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023. I am now retired and spend most of my time in Egypt with my family and my 96-year-old mother.
“I am a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which I consider the sole surviving opposition party in Nigeria. This affiliation, I believe, is the underlying reason for your investigation into my affairs.
“In response to your questions, and indeed all your inquiries, I have, on the advice of my counsel, chosen to exercise my right to remain silent. I will not make any further statements or respond to any questions.
“I hold the view that after nearly two years of thorough investigation, the ICPC should submit its findings to a judicial tribunal rather than continuing to interrogate me. I will only respond to any allegations brought forth in a court of law.
“This is because I do not consider these investigations to be a lawful entitlement or process, but rather a form of political persecution, the determination of which rests solely with a judge. Thank you.”
El-Rufai reinforced his position in a subsequent statement on February 20, 2026, after investigators presented him with additional documents.
The second statement articulated: “Further to my statement of February 19, 2026, and in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to add that upon the presentation of further documents and questions, I stand by my constitutional right to silence regarding all presented materials and additional inquiries.
“As clearly stated in my previous statement dated February 19, 2026, I will address these documents and questions exclusively when they are formally presented in a court of law.”
The former governor also alleged that his significant role within the ADC positions him as a target for political pressure, describing the party as the nation's only remaining opposition entity.
Concurrently, the ICPC has reportedly obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court located in Bwari, which is slated to conclude on March 5, 2026.
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