Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reportedly spoken out amid his detention, insisting that confinement cannot diminish his political influence or erase his relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a message attributed to him, El-Rufai used the expression, “Even in cage, a lion remains a lion”, to convey his determination to remain politically relevant despite the circumstances surrounding his detention.
The former governor also alleged that his detention might be connected to political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging his supporters and other Nigerians not to allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from exercising their democratic rights.
El-Rufai reportedly stated that he presented himself to anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. (ICPC), on February 18, 2026.
He further alleged that some political figures wanted him to remain in detention until after the 2027 elections because of concerns about his influence in Kaduna State and the wider Northern region.
According to the message, the former governor also referred to an alleged remark by a former senator at a political gathering in Zaria, where the senator was purportedly said to have advocated keeping him in detention until the elections were concluded.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified, and no evidence has been established in the information available to confirm that El-Rufai’s detention is politically motivated. Responses from the individuals implicated in the claims are also necessary to provide balanced account.
-9News Nigeria.
