“Lock Him Up Until 2027?” Doka Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot Against El-Rufai, Urges Nigerians To Avenge His Treatment With Their Votes And Reject Intimidation, Vote-Buying

By Passman Akpos

Political commentator Mohammed Bello Doka has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Kaduna State and the wider Northern region, to resist political intimidation and express their grievances through the ballot box ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded opinion piece titled “A Caged Lion Is Still a Lion: Avenge El-Rufai’s Treatment With Your Votes — Refuse to Be Intimidated,” Doka questioned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and alleged that the situation had assumed political undertones.

Doka argued that El-Rufai’s detention had generated public frustration, insisting that the former governor’s supporters should remain politically engaged rather than resort to violence.

The author also urged Nigerians to scrutinise the performance of political officeholders and hold elected representatives accountable through democratic participation.

Doka Questions Prolonged Detention

In the article, Doka claimed that El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before subsequently facing proceedings involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He described the continued detention as troubling and alleged that political considerations might be influencing the situation.

Doka further claimed that a former senator had appealed to the Kaduna State governor to ensure El-Rufai remained in detention until after the 2027 elections.

According to him, if accurately reported, such a statement would raise serious questions about the separation of political interests from the administration of justice.

However, the allegation concerning the former senator, as well as the suggestion that El-Rufai’s detention is politically motivated, requires independent verification. The legal grounds for the detention and the positions of the relevant authorities are also important to understanding the matter.

Links El-Rufai’s Troubles To Political Disagreements

Doka also rejected suggestions that El-Rufai’s reported disagreement with the ruling political establishment stemmed primarily from his failure to secure a ministerial appointment.

Instead, he portrayed the former governor as a politician whose disagreements with powerful interests predated the ministerial screening process.

The author particularly highlighted El-Rufai’s opposition to aspects of the naira redesign policy introduced during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to Doka, El-Rufai’s criticism of the policy demonstrated his willingness to challenge decisions he considered harmful to ordinary Nigerians, even when doing so could create political tensions.

He alleged that El-Rufai’s subsequent political difficulties reflected a broader pattern in which individuals who fall out with powerful political interests become vulnerable to pressure.

These interpretations, however, represent Doka’s assessment of the political circumstances surrounding the former governor.

Raises Questions Over Zoning And Political Consistency

The article also examined the controversy surrounding political zoning and the rotation of presidential power between Nigeria’s North and South.

Doka argued that El-Rufai had previously supported the argument that presidential power should shift to Southern Nigeria after Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

He contended that some political figures who benefited from that position were now treating El-Rufai differently because of subsequent political disagreements.

The author further questioned what he described as inconsistencies in the positions of politicians who invoke zoning principles when they favour their interests but appear less committed to them when circumstances change.

He also referenced the presidencies of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan while discussing the historical controversies surrounding power rotation.

Doka maintained that political principles should be applied consistently, regardless of the individuals or parties that stand to benefit.

Warns Against Intimidation Ahead Of 2027

With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Doka warned that Nigerians should not allow fear, threats or the detention of political figures to discourage them from participating in the democratic process.

He expressed concern that more political actors could face pressure as election preparations gather momentum, although he did not establish evidence that further arrests were being planned.

According to the author, citizens retain the power to influence political outcomes through voter participation, public scrutiny and peaceful democratic engagement.

He urged eligible voters to mobilise their communities, educate one another about voting procedures and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

Doka also cautioned against violence, arguing that peaceful participation would be more constructive than confrontations that could undermine the electoral process.

Tells Voters To Reject Vote-Buying

Another major theme of the article was vote-buying and the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.

Doka urged voters not to exchange their electoral choices for temporary material benefits, including food items distributed during political campaigns.

He argued that economic hardship should not prevent citizens from demanding accountability from political leaders.

The author encouraged voters to evaluate candidates based on their records, public policies and commitment to addressing insecurity, unemployment, infrastructure deficits and poverty.

He also criticised what he described as the accumulation of wealth by political officeholders while ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle with economic hardship.

These criticisms formed part of his broader argument that electoral decisions should be guided by governance and accountability rather than short-term inducements.

“The Lion Is Caged, But Not Dead”

Concluding the article, Doka returned to the metaphor of a caged lion to describe El-Rufai’s political relevance despite his reported legal troubles.

He argued that detaining an individual does not automatically eliminate the person’s political influence or the support of those who identify with their positions.

The author called on Nigerians to express their views peacefully, resist intimidation and use their votes to hold political leaders accountable.

His message was that political disagreements should ultimately be resolved through democratic institutions, the rule of law and the electorate’s right to choose its representatives.

Doka’s intervention adds to the political debate surrounding El-Rufai, the treatment of opposition figures and the wider question of whether Nigeria’s law-enforcement institutions operate independently of partisan interests.

The circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention, the allegations of political interference and the responses of the relevant authorities remain central to assessing the claims raised in the article.