Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, to his Campaign Council.
The move has raised eyebrows given that El-Rufai is currently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday.
El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February, where he is facing multiple charges filed by both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government. His detention has drawn widespread attention, with supporters and critics alike questioning the legal basis and timing of the charges.
The appointment of the former governor to such a strategic role, while he remains in detention, is expected to generate intense debate across the country. Critics are likely to question how El-Rufai will function effectively on a campaign council while behind bars, while supporters may argue that the charges against him are politically motivated and that he remains a valuable political asset.
Atiku’s camp has yet to explain how El-Rufai will carry out his duties from custody, or whether his appointment signals a push for his release.
Details later…
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