A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, has claimed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is being detained because of his political influence and perceived threat to those in power.
Momodu said El-Rufai, despite his imperfections, remained one of the most brilliant politicians from Northern Nigeria.
He made the remarks while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.
According to Momodu, El-Rufai’s political strength was the reason he was being closely monitored and kept in detention.
“The only reason he's being caged and being watched round the clock is because he is a lion, and they know a lion could be dangerous. I am telling you, the longer they keep him, the worse the situation,” he said.
Momodu argued that the authorities could have granted the former governor bail, allowing him to continue his legal battle from home.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the failure of some political allies of El-Rufai, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, to speak up for him.
The ADC chieftain recalled El-Rufai’s role in the political process that brought President Bola Tinubu to power, saying his current predicament raised concerns about the nature of Nigerian politics.
“It scares me about Nigerian politics that people, even Uba Sani, who was supposed to be a protege, is not able to fight for him because they believe it will be too dangerous if he is outside,” Momodu said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly people of conscience, to speak out against El-Rufai’s continued detention.
“All men and women of conscience should speak up and say Mallam Nasir El-Rufai should not be caged. But if they don't listen, a caged lion is still very dangerous,” he added.
'He's a dangerous lion' - Dele Momodu reveals why El-Rufai is being detained