Mohammed Bello Doka has called on Nigerians to use their votes in the 2027 general elections to express their displeasure over the treatment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who he claims has remained in detention for months.
Doka made the appeal in a statement posted on El-Rufai’s X account on Thursday, describing the former governor as a “caged lion” and urging his supporters to remain peaceful, resist intimidation and mobilise voters ahead of the elections.
He alleged that El-Rufai’s continued detention had become politically significant, claiming that some political figures were concerned about the former governor’s influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to the statement, El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and later the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18, 2026.
Doka claimed that the former governor’s continued detention had fuelled public frustration, alleging that some political actors wanted him to remain in custody until after the next general election.
He also referred to an alleged statement by a former senator at a political gathering in Zaria, claiming the politician had urged the incumbent governor to ensure El-Rufai remained detained until after the elections. However, the statement provided no further details to independently establish the allegation.
Doka Links El-Rufai’s Situation to Political Disagreements
Doka also connected El-Rufai’s political challenges to his opposition to the naira redesign policy introduced under the previous administration.
He argued that the former governor had criticised the policy because of its effects on ordinary Nigerians.
The statement further alleged that El-Rufai’s failure to secure a ministerial appointment after being nominated reflected wider political disagreements, claiming that some political figures were uncomfortable with his influence.
Doka also revisited the debate over power rotation between northern and southern Nigeria, arguing that El-Rufai had supported the transfer of power to the South after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed his eight-year tenure.
He accused some politicians of applying zoning principles inconsistently to suit their personal ambitions.
Nigerians Urged to Reject Vote Buying
Doka urged Nigerians not to allow the controversy surrounding El-Rufai to discourage them from participating in the 2027 elections.
He maintained that voters could hold political leaders accountable through the ballot and encouraged citizens not to allow food items or other material inducements to determine their choices.
“Collect the rice. Collect the noodles. Collect the bread. You will need the energy on election day,” he said.
He also warned against violence, alleging that political unrest could be exploited to undermine the electoral process.
Doka called on El-Rufai’s supporters to mobilise their neighbours, educate community members about voting procedures and the protection of their votes, and encourage strong participation on election day.
The statement also criticised the performance of some government officials, accusing unnamed public office holders of failing to address insecurity, poverty and inadequate infrastructure in their constituencies. However, it did not provide evidence to substantiate those allegations.
Concluding his appeal, Doka urged Nigerians to reject intimidation and political division and use their votes to express their views on El-Rufai’s treatment.
“The lion is caged, but the lion is not dead. The people are not dead. The votes are not dead,” he said.
