Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has said he declined to answer questions from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission as part of an ongoing investigation, insisting that his silence was a constitutional right and not an act of defiance.
El-Rufai, who is being probed by the anti-graft agency, reportedly submitted two handwritten statements to investigators on February 19 and 20, 2026, while under caution and in the presence of his lawyer, Ubong E. Akpan.
In the statements, the former governor maintained that the investigation was politically driven and declared that he would only respond to any allegations before a competent court of law.
He argued that after nearly two years of investigation, the commission should take its findings to a judicial tribunal rather than continue interrogating him.
In his first statement dated February 19, El-Rufai acknowledged reading and understanding the cautionary note before voluntarily providing personal details about his background, education and career in public service.
He traced his origin to Dandawa in Katsina State, stated that he was born in 1960 and highlighted his academic journey through Ahmadu Bello University, Harvard University and the University of London, where he studied courses including Business Administration, Public Administration and Law.
El-Rufai also outlined his professional history, noting that he served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises between 1999 and 2003, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007, and two-term governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He said he is now retired and resides mainly in Egypt with part of his family and his 96-year-old mother.
The former governor further stated that he is a leading member of the African Democratic Congress, which he described as the only viable opposition party in the country, alleging that his political affiliation was the real reason behind the probe.
He declared that, on the advice of counsel, he would exercise his right to remain silent and would not respond to further questions, stressing that only a court of law could determine the legitimacy of the investigation.
In a follow-up statement dated February 20, El-Rufai reaffirmed his stance after investigators reportedly presented additional documents, maintaining that he would address the issues only when they are brought before a court.
Meanwhile, the ICPC had earlier obtained a 14-day remand order from a Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari, which is expected to lapse on March 5, 2026.