Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has explained why he declined to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), describing his silence as a deliberate constitutional choice.
In two handwritten statements submitted to investigators on February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai said he acted on the advice of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan, and would only respond to allegations in a court of law. Both statements were made under caution and in the presence of his counsel.
The former governor maintained that the probe against him was politically motivated, insisting that the anti-graft agency should file formal charges if it had sufficient evidence rather than continue questioning him.
“I have decided to exercise my right to silence,” he wrote in his first statement dated February 19. “After nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings before a judicial tribunal. I will respond to any allegations only in court.”
El-Rufai, who disclosed details of his background and career in the statement, noted that he was born in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960 and educated in Kaduna. He attended Ahmadu Bello University for his first degree in Quantity Surveying and later studied at Harvard University and the University of London. He highlighted his career in quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service, including his roles as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), and two-term Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He also stated that he is a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he described as the only surviving opposition party in the country, alleging that his political affiliation was the real reason behind the investigation.
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his position after investigators presented additional documents to him. He again invoked his constitutional right to remain silent, stressing that he would only address the documents and related questions before a competent court.
The ICPC had earlier secured a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, set to expire on March 5, 2026. El-Rufai is expected to be released if formal charges are not filed before the expiration of the remand order.
As of press time, the commission has yet to announce any formal charges, with the coming days likely to determine whether the matter proceeds to court or ends at the investigation stage.
