Abati says El‑Rufai may stay in custody until after the election.

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has suggested that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai could remain in custody until after the upcoming election, citing both legal and political factors in the case.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati described El‑Rufai’s bail conditions as stringent and noted that the court had refused to modify them, even though the former governor reportedly struggled to meet a key requirement.

Abati explained that El‑Rufai was required to present a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory as part of his bail conditions, a condition he claimed he could not satisfy.

He added that the case involves allegations of wiretapping and corruption, among other issues, and that proceedings have been adjourned until September.

Abati said the situation appears to have both legal and political dimensions, expressing the view that El‑Rufai is unlikely to be released before the election.

Abati said: “The bail conditions for El‑Rufai, yes, they are very stringent, but the way I see it, there is more involved. There is also politics involved.”

“He’s been told to look for a level 17 official from the federal capital territory. He says he doesn’t have one. The court is not willing to vary the conditions for him.”

“It’s a very complex case because he has issues with regard to wiretapping, issues with regard to, you know, other allegations about corruption, about what he did, and then the case has been postponed till September.”

“So the way it looks in terms of real politics, I don’t think they will do anything about releasing Nasir El‑Rufai until after the election.”

“You should just know that this is politics, but this is also about responsibility and accountability.”

“We cannot challenge the court in terms of what the court decides. It is within the discretion of the court to say these are the bail conditions, and he says he cannot meet at least one principal bail condition.”