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Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has clarified why he refused to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), saying his decision to remain silent was a constitutional entitlement rather than an act of resistance.
El-Rufai, who is currently being investigated by the anti-corruption body, provided two handwritten statements to ICPC officials on February 19 and 20, 2026. The statements were made while he was under caution and in the company of his legal representative, Ubong E. Akpan.
In both statements, the former governor insisted that the investigation against him was driven by political motives and stressed that he would only respond to any accusations before a competent court.
He also maintained that after nearly two years of inquiries, the commission ought to present whatever evidence it has before a judicial tribunal instead of continuing to question him directly.
In his first statement dated February 19, the former governor wrote: “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 from 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, 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 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 another statement dated February 20, 2026, El-Rufai reiterated his earlier stance after investigators presented him with additional materials.
The second statement read: “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 claimed that his involvement as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made him a target of political pressure, describing the party as the country’s only remaining viable opposition platform.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is expected to expire on March 5, 2026.