‘We Campaigned for You, Please Free Our Husband,’ El-Rufai’s Wives Appeal to Tinubu

The wives of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as their family’s ordeal, urging him to ensure that their husband enjoys his constitutional rights while facing prosecution.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, one of El-Rufai’s wives, Asiya El-Rufai, accompanied by Aichatou El-Rufai, said the family was not asking the President to stop the legal proceedings against the former governor but to ensure he receives fair treatment under the law.

Addressing President Tinubu directly, Asiya recalled the family’s support during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

“Mr. President, I campaigned for you. I went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she asked.

She urged the President to intervene by ensuring that El-Rufai is granted access to medical care, family members, lawyers and bail on what she described as reasonable terms.

“The ball is in your court, Mr. President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe you are a father and can empathise,” she said.

According to Asiya, the family is not seeking preferential treatment but asking that El-Rufai be afforded the constitutional rights available to every Nigerian.

She also expressed concern over her husband’s health, alleging that he suffers from high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels and has been denied adequate medical attention while in custody.

The family claimed the continued detention of the former governor and restrictions on access to his doctors and relatives had subjected them to severe emotional distress.

“We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear bad news,” she said, describing the situation as “psychological warfare” against both El-Rufai and his family.

Asiya further questioned the reported restriction placed on Professor Bello Abubakar, El-Rufai’s personal physician, who she alleged was denied access to the former governor.

The family also raised concerns over restrictions on visits by relatives and argued that El-Rufai’s continued detention was affecting his ability to adequately prepare his defence.

“We want a fair trial. We want an opportunity to be heard,” she said, adding that the former governor should be granted bail on conditions he can reasonably meet while his trial continues.

The appeal comes amid mounting controversy over El-Rufai’s detention, following allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that he was denied medical treatment and that his personal physician was arrested after accompanying him to the National Hospital, Abuja.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), however, has maintained that El-Rufai and his physician violated court-ordered conditions relating to his medical consultation. The Presidency has yet to respond to the latest appeal by the former governor’s family.