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El-Rufai’s Lawyer Alleges ICPC Political Persecution, Demands His Immediate Release.

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The lawyer representing former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of engaging in a politically motivated campaign against his client, demanding either his immediate release or formal arraignment in court.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, dismissed claims linking the former governor to multi-billion-naira properties in Egypt as fabricated and part of a smear campaign.

Akpan said the allegations were based on anonymous leaks rather than verifiable evidence.

“The ICPC has once again revealed itself as a tool for political vendetta by circulating baseless, anonymous ‘leaks’ alleging multi-billion naira properties in Egypt connected to my client,” the lawyer stated.

He accused the anti-corruption agency of attempting to legitimize what he described as El-Rufai’s “unlawful detention.”

“This narrative, built on unverifiable sources, is not an investigation but a desperate smear campaign aimed at justifying the ongoing unlawful detention of a citizen who has committed no crime,” Akpan added.

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The statement noted that El-Rufai had voluntarily reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 16 February 2026, where he was granted administrative bail. However, operatives acting under the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly transferred him to ICPC custody on 18 February.

Akpan said the former governor has been held for more than 20 days without formal charges.

“This detention violates Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees arraignment within a reasonable period,” he said.

The lawyer also alleged that a 14-day remand order issued by a magistrate court on 19 February expired on 4 March but was never served on El-Rufai or his legal team.

Akpan further accused ICPC operatives of attempting to pressure El-Rufai to withdraw from political activities.

“Operatives have failed in their efforts to coerce my client into abandoning his constitutional right to political participation, threatening extended detention unless he complies,” he said.

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He emphasized that El-Rufai has repeatedly challenged the ICPC to present any evidence against him in court.

“Mallam El-Rufai has consistently dared the ICPC to charge him if they have credible evidence,” Akpan stated.

Legal action has also been initiated against ICPC officials and other implicated parties.

“We have filed criminal complaints against the ICPC chairman, the DSS Director General, and other officers, seeking their personal accountability,” the lawyer added.

Akpan insisted that the agency must either release El-Rufai immediately or formally arraign him before a competent court.

“We demand the immediate release of Mallam El-Rufai or his arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction. Anything less undermines Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law,” he concluded.

The ICPC had not responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.

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Kwara PDP Protests As Govt Moves To Reopen Robbery Case Against Saraki, Others.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the party made its position known during an emergency press conference in Ilorin on Friday, describing the development as politically motivated and unjust.

PDP spokesman, Comrade Olushola Adewara, said the alleged plan to reopen the case amounts to an attempt to politicise a matter that has already been concluded by the courts.

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He alleged that the move was targeted at dragging Saraki into a case in which, according to him, legal authorities had previously found no evidence linking him to the incident.

Adewara referenced earlier legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which reportedly stated that Saraki was not connected to the robbery case.

The party insisted that suspects in the case had already been prosecuted and convicted, with judgments upheld at appellate levels, while the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.

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PDP urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus on governance rather than what it described as attempts to revive old political narratives.

It also called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely, warning that such actions could heighten political tension in the state.

The party further appealed to residents, especially families of victims in Offa, not to allow their pain to be used for political purposes.

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2027: Oyo APC Senator Alli Declares Governorship Ambition.

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Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Alli, who serves under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration on Friday during a formal event held at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The APC chieftain and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland said he will be running on the platform of his party.

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The event attracted thousands of APC leaders, stakeholders, and members, including top political figures such as Senator Yunus Akintunde, House of Representatives members Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Tajudeen Abisodun, and Senator Hamzat Adeseun.

Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.

Alli said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was driven by his desire to advance the development of Oyo State.

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He noted his past political experience, including serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and Secretary to the Oyo State Government under Senator Rasidi Ladoja, as well as his current role in the Senate, where he said he has consistently advocated for his constituents.

According to him, his ambition is focused on delivering better governance and moving the state forward.

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Showunmi Declares For Ogun 2027 Governorship, Seeks IPAC Support.

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A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Showunmi made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.

He called for a broad political coalition involving opposition parties and grassroots groups to challenge what he described as the failures of dominant political forces in the state.

Showunmi argued that political parties may choose or endorse candidates, but insisted such arrangements must not deny voters a genuine electoral choice.

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He said: “I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election. I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee… to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen.”

He also questioned whether Ogun State would experience a “coronation” or a competitive election process, urging stakeholders to allow open political contest.

The PDP chieftain noted that Ogun West’s long-standing exclusion from producing a governor is a legitimate grievance, but stressed that aspirations must still be tested through competition.

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He advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, rejecting “money politics” and challenging aspirants to public debates on governance.

Showunmi maintained that he has no history of violence or political thuggery, insisting the election should be centred on ideas and development plans for the state.

In response, IPAC leadership and other political actors at the event called for collaboration and careful selection of leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

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