JUST IN: Atiku Breaks Silence on Police Summons to El-Rufai, ADC Leaders

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the police summons issued to former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as part of a growing pattern of political intimidation under the Tinubu administration.

The Kaduna State Police Command had invited El-Rufai and seven ADC officials for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous harm.

A letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC state chairman to present the accused persons at the State CID on September 8.

Those listed include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as “30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also called “Mikiya”).

Reacting in a statement on his social media handles, Atiku warned that the development in Kaduna, along with recent incidents in Katsina and other states, reflected a disturbing slide towards authoritarianism.

“The summons of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, the brazen attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents,” he wrote. “They signify a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the very essence of pluralistic democracy.”

Atiku maintained that criminalizing opposition and weaponizing security agencies against political opponents threatened Nigeria’s democratic foundations. He warned that the country risked slipping into authoritarian rule if such practices continued unchecked.

He urged Nigerians across party lines to rise in defense of democracy, insisting that safeguarding civic freedoms should not be left solely to opposition figures.

“Power is transient,” Atiku stated. “But history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any single individual.”

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