Okonkwo Says Tinubu Targeting El-Rufai Over ADC Move

Kenneth Okonkwo has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is confronting former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai because of his decision to join the African Democratic Congress.

Okonkwo made this known on Friday while speaking during a programme on Channels Television where he discussed the ongoing issues surrounding El-Rufai’s detention.

During the television interview, the Nollywood actor turned politician argued that the former governor is facing pressure after aligning himself with the ADC.

According to him, the situation surrounding El-Rufai should be handled through lawful procedures rather than political influence. He maintained that questions about any alleged offence should be resolved in court instead of through actions directed by the presidency.

Okonkwo also spoke about the detention of El-Rufai, stating that the Federal Government does not have the authority to keep any individual in custody for more than 48 hours without granting bail or taking proper legal steps.

He explained that Nigerian law provides limits on how long a person can be detained without due process, adding that the rights of every citizen must be protected regardless of political differences.

He further stated that security agencies are expected to complete investigations before carrying out arrests, noting that the responsibility of proving wrongdoing lies with the prosecution in a criminal case. In his view, allegations alone should not be used as a reason to detain someone without following the proper legal procedures.

Okonkwo therefore called on the government to release El-Rufai while allowing the legal process to continue if there are accusations that require judicial review. He maintained that granting freedom to the former governor would ensure that his constitutional rights are respected while any case against him proceeds in court.

The comments come amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections and recent developments involving opposition parties.

Okonkwo, who has been active in political debates, has continued to speak on issues involving governance, opposition politics and the rights of public figures facing investigations.