HON. UMAR ABUBAKAR APPRECIATES SUPPORTERS, CONGRATULATES WINNERS OF PARTY PRIMARIES

BEYOND THE VIRAL DRAMA: WHY THE ICPC MUST BE DEFENDED, NOT VILIFIED, OVER THE EL-RUFAI VISITING INCIDENT

By Baba Magaji, Kaduna

In the age of instant virality, a 30-second video clip can undo months of institutional integrity. We witnessed this recently when a video circulated showing Hajiya Aisha El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai, lamenting that she was denied access to bring food to her husband while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

On the surface, the video tugs at the heartstrings a worried spouse blocked from feeding her husband. However, a dispassionate examination of the facts, the law, and established protocol reveals a different story: one of a privileged individual attempting to bypass standard operating procedures to create a public spectacle.

First and foremost, it is critical to state categorically that the ICPC has not denied Mallam Nasir El-Rufai any fundamental human right. The right to detainee welfare is sacrosanct. However, like every civilized institution, the ICPC operates under strict custody guidelines designed for the safety of the detainee, the staff, and the integrity of the investigation.

Contrary to the emotional spin in the video, the ICPC did not bar Mrs. El-Rufai from seeing her husband. The commission merely required her to adhere to the standard visiting protocols, which include designated opening and closing hours for visitors.

The crux of the matter is this: Mrs. El-Rufai reportedly arrived or attempted to gain access outside of these regulated hours or without following the mandatory clearance process. Her grievance is not that access was impossible; it is that the rules applied to every other Nigerian citizen were not waived for her.

Let us be clear: No citizen, regardless of their political pedigree or former title, has the right to "break protocol." The viral video suggests an underlying assumption of impunity—the belief that because she is the wife of a former governor, she should be allowed to walk in at any hour, bypass security checks, and deliver items without scrutiny.

If the ICPC had allowed this, and something had happened to the detainee (contaminated food, a security breach, or an escape), the same voices crying foul today would be the first to demand the Chairman's resignation. The ICPC is an institution that stands for the rule of law, not for the convenience of the powerful. Denying someone the right to break rules is not a denial of human rights; it is the preservation of order.

It is important to address the theatrics of the "food" argument. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a high-profile detainee under investigation. The ICPC has a standard welfare system that provides meals and water to all detainees. The notion that a former governor is being starved in a 21st-century anti-corruption agency's facility is patently absurd.

Mrs. El-Rufai's insistence on bringing external food—outside of approved visiting hours smacks less of concern and more of an attempt to create a "martyrdom" narrative. It is a classic political strategy: control the narrative by playing the victim to paint the agency as a "wicked institution" punishing a perceived political enemy.

This leads to the most egregious aspect of this incident: the weaponization of social media. If Mrs. El-Rufai genuinely believed her fundamental rights or those of her husband were violated, the proper channel is the court of law, the National Human Rights Commission, or even a formal petition to the ICPC's own internal complaints mechanism.

By rushing to social media, she bypassed every judicial and administrative remedy available. Why? Because a viral video generates mob sympathy, while a legal filing requires evidence. She chose drama over due process. If every aggrieved party abandoned the rule of law for the court of public opinion, anarchy would reign.

The current ICPC Chairman is not running a charity; he is running an anti-corruption agency. His mandate is to investigate corruption allegations without fear or favor, and to treat all persons equally before the law.

We have not seen him deviate from this mandate. We have not seen him starve a detainee. We have only seen him enforce the same rules that apply to a petty thief as they do to a former governor. To accuse the ICPC of wickedness for enforcing its gate policy is to insult every Nigerian who has ever been asked to follow a queue or obey a sign.

We must be careful not to allow sentimental videos to destroy institutional credibility. The ICPC must be supported to execute its mandate without mob interference. Unless we see the Chairman deviating from the law—torturing suspects, denying legal representation, or withholding basic sustenance he deserves our full backing.

To Mrs. El-Rufai: If you want to bring your husband food, follow the rules. Sign the visitor's log. Come during visiting hours. Respect the institution. And if you have a grievance, meet them in court, not on social media.

Nigeria is tired of the culture where the powerful demand exceptions while the masses obey the law. The ICPC must not bow to the drama. The Chairman must hold his ground.

 *Baba Magaji writes* from Kaduna.

Hon. Umar Abubakar, an aspirant for the position of Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed profound appreciation to his supporters, party leaders, stakeholders, youths, women groups and party faithful across the FCT for the overwhelming show of love, solidarity and support throughout the just concluded party primaries.

In a statement issued shortly after the conclusion of the exercise, Hon. Umar Abubakar described the support he received from party members and supporters across the six Area Councils as humbling, encouraging and deeply inspiring.

He stated that although the outcome of the primaries did not favour his aspiration, the experience has further strengthened his commitment to the growth, unity and success of the party in the FCT and across Nigeria.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate every supporter, stakeholder, youth group, women leaders, political associates and party faithful who stood by us throughout this journey. Your sacrifices, encouragement, prayers and unwavering support remain invaluable and will never be taken for granted,” he stated.

Hon. Umar Abubakar further congratulated all candidates who emerged victorious in the just concluded primaries, urging them to remain magnanimous in victory and committed to the collective interest of the party and the development of the FCT.

He emphasized the need for unity among party members ahead of the forthcoming elections, stressing that the party’s success must remain the priority of every loyal member.According to him, “This is the time for all of us to close ranks, work together and strengthen our party at all levels. The unity of our party remains our greatest strength, and we must all rally behind our candidates to ensure victory in the coming elections.”Hon. Umar

 Abubakar also reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership and developmental vision of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda is already yielding positive results across critical sectors of the nation.

He called on residents and supporters in the FCT not to be left out in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, adding that continuity, stability and sustained reforms are essential for national progress.“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is real, impactful and gradually repositioning Nigeria for greater prosperity. The FCT must not be left behind in supporting the President and our great party in 2027,” he added.

Hon. Umar Abubakar concluded by assuring party leaders and supporters of his continued loyalty, dedication and commitment to working for the peace, unity, progress and electoral success of the party at all levels.

Signed:Hon. Umar Abubakar Campaign Organization

Date:18th May,  2026.