Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a strong warning against the weaponisation of bail following the Federal High Court's refusal to review the bail conditions of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The former Vice President expressed grave concern over El-Rufai's continued detention, arguing that such precedents pose a danger that extends far beyond the individual.
Atiku's Statement on El-Rufai's Detention
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Atiku's Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, conveyed the ADC candidate's position. The statement emphasised that the law is clear: an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty, and bail exists to preserve that constitutional protection. Atiku warned that bail was never designed to become a sophisticated instrument for punishment before conviction.
“When a court insists on conditions that require a defendant to produce a serving Grade Level 17 federal civil servant who must also own verifiable property in Maitama or Asokoro and satisfy a maze of additional requirements, Nigerians are entitled to ask a simple question: is the objective to grant bail or to ensure that bail remains unattainable?” the statement read.
Concerns Over Constitutional Rights
Atiku's warning comes amid growing concerns over the fairness of the judicial process in Nigeria. The former Vice President highlighted that the bail conditions imposed on El-Rufai effectively amount to a punishment before trial, undermining the presumption of innocence. He called for a fair judicial process that protects the rights of all accused individuals, regardless of their political affiliations or status.
The statement further noted that the weaponisation of bail sets a dangerous precedent that could be used against any citizen. Atiku urged the judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that bail conditions are reasonable and attainable, rather than designed to ensure continued detention.
El-Rufai's Legal Battle
Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has been in detention following his arrest on charges related to his tenure. The Federal High Court's refusal to review his bail conditions has sparked debate about the independence and fairness of the Nigerian judiciary. El-Rufai's legal team has argued that the conditions are excessive and unconstitutional, but the court has so far declined to modify them.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about the use of bail as a tool for political persecution. Atiku's intervention adds a prominent voice to the calls for judicial reform and the protection of fundamental rights.
Implications for Nigeria's Judicial System
Atiku's warning highlights broader issues within Nigeria's judicial system, where bail conditions are often used to keep accused individuals in detention for extended periods. Legal experts have noted that such practices undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in the judiciary. The ADC candidate's statement calls for a reassessment of how bail is applied, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of securing a defendant's appearance at trial without becoming a form of pre-trial punishment.
The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal practitioners, and civil society, to work towards a fair and just legal system that respects the rights of all citizens. Atiku reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional guarantees for every Nigerian.
