Atiku visits El-Rufai after Airport arrest drama

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has paid a solidarity visit to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following what was described as a failed attempt to arrest him at the airport.

Atiku disclosed the visit in a post on his verified Facebook page on Friday, stating that El-Rufai remained undeterred despite the reported incident.

“Last night, I paid a solidarity visit to the former Governor of Kaduna State and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the failed attempt to arrest him at the airport upon his arrival in the country. He was unfazed by the incident and remains committed to the battle to enthrone a better Nigeria,” Atiku wrote.

The visit comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the circumstances of the airport episode, which has drawn reactions from political actors and security agencies.

El-Rufai had earlier alleged that security operatives attempted to arrest him upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, while the Department of State Services (DSS) clarified that no arrest was made, stating that only his passport was seized in response to a request from an anti-graft agency.

Observers say Atiku’s visit signals growing political alignment and solidarity among opposition figures ahead of future electoral contests.