El-Rufai
ABUJA — Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a member of the House of Representatives, has publicly thanked Peter Obi for regularly checking on his father while the ex-governor remains in detention.
In a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, Bello El-Rufai said several prominent opposition figures had contacted him to inquire about his father’s condition.
These included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Obi (presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress), former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He singled out Obi for particular appreciation, noting that the former Anambra State governor had consistently called to ask about Nasir El-Rufai. “Politicians like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Kwankwaso, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others called me to ask about my dad.
I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad. And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” Bello said.
Bello also described how his father was spending his time in custody. “And for Malam, he is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran, so it’s also a moment for him in isolation to reflect, plan better, and tone down on things like that,” he added.
Nasir El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 18, 2026, in connection with ongoing investigations. Obi had previously criticised the prolonged detention, describing it as “political persecution” and calling for the rule of law and due process to prevail.
The remarks mark a notable shift, given Bello’s earlier public criticisms of Obi. The gesture of concern from across political lines has drawn attention amid the former governor’s extended detention and related legal proceedings.
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