Former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has explained his decision to remain silent during questioning by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), stating that his action was based on his constitutional right and not an act of defiance.
El-Rufai, who is under investigation by the anti-graft agency, submitted two handwritten statements to ICPC officials on February 19 and 20, 2026. The statements were made under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
In the documents, the former governor described the investigation as politically motivated and maintained that he would only respond to any allegations before a court of law.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the commission should present its findings before a judicial tribunal rather than continue to question him.
In his first statement dated February 19, he wrote in full:
“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 others. I studied business administration, public administration and law, and public administration and law.
“My working career spans quantity surveying consulting, mobile telecommunications, and public service. I was Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), and twice-elected Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). I am retired and live mostly in Egypt with half of my family and my 96-year-old mother.
“I am a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the only surviving opposition party in Nigeria, which is the real reason you are investigating me.
“In response to your question (and indeed all your questions), I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question. I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only.
“This is because I do not believe these investigations amount to lawful entitlement, as in political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon. Thank you.”
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reiterated his stance after investigators presented additional documents.
He wrote:
“In furtherance to my statement dated 19 February, 2026, and in the presence of my lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, I wish to state further that upon presentation of further documents and questions, I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions. As clearly stated in my statement dated 19 February 2026, I will respond to these documents and questions only when presented in a court of law.”
The former governor further alleged that his position as a leading member of the African Democratic Congress made him a target of political pressure, describing the party as the only surviving opposition force in the country.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is due to expire on March 5, 2026.
El-Rufai is expected to regain his freedom on Thursday if no formal charges are filed before the remand order lapses.
