Threatens Retaliation Before 2027 Elections
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned the imprisonment of his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Saidu, calling it unjustifiable.
El-Rufai made this assertion in a personally issued statement on Wednesday, following Saidu’s release after spending 50 days in remand over alleged fraud.
In the statement, the former governor blamed the Nigeria Police and some judges for what he described as obstruction and delay in granting bail for a bailable offense. He expressed surprise at the handling of the case and vowed to take the matter to the “court of public opinion.”
El-Rufai also threatened to retaliate against those responsible for Saidu’s prosecution before the 2027 elections. The statement, titled “Kaduna Update,” reads:
“After 50 days of abduction and unjustified incarceration, Bashir Saidu is now free and at home. Bashir has been my friend for over 53 years—a Barewa College classmate, former Commissioner of Local Government, Commissioner of Finance, and former Chief of Staff.
“A grassroots politician, a sound technocrat, and a true public servant, Bashir has been a dominant figure in the progressive politics of Kaduna North and Central Senatorial Districts since the days of the APP, ANPP, CPC, and APC.
“That is the main reason behind his persecution. The payback for those responsible will be evident on or before the 2027 elections, in sha Allah.
“The role of certain police officers in this abduction, as well as the conduct of some judges in the Federal High Court and State High Court, who obstructed and delayed bail for a clearly bailable offense, has been quite enlightening. All the facts will be presented in the court of public opinion soon. Please stand by for some interesting insights. Thank you.”
The statement suggests growing political tensions as El-Rufai prepares to challenge those he believes orchestrated Saidu’s imprisonment.
