The Digest:
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid a solidarity visit to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai following the failed attempt to arrest him at Abuja Airport upon his return from Egypt. In a Facebook post, Atiku disclosed that El-Rufai remained "unfazed by the incident" and committed to "the battle to enthrone a better Nigeria." The visit underscores growing opposition unity amid heightened political tensions. El-Rufai, now a stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been a vocal critic of the current administration. Security operatives had attempted to detain him on Thursday and reportedly seized his international passport, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition figures.
Key Points:
- The visit signals strategic opposition alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
- It reinforces narratives of political persecution and solidarity among critics of the administration.
- Both leaders gain political capital as defenders of democratic space, while security agencies face intensified scrutiny.
- This reflects deepening coordination between PDP and ADC figures despite different party affiliations.
- The timing, immediately after the incident, maximises political impact and media attention.
The high-profile visit amplifies opposition unity and keeps public focus on the controversial airport incident and its implications for democratic freedoms.
Sources: Vanguard, Atiku Abubakar/Facebook
