"Comrades Don’t Surrender": Solomon Dalung Blasts Nasir El-Rufai’s Decision to Yield to ICPC Custody Amid Corruption Trial

Former Minister Solomon Dalung claims Nasir El-Rufai made a "greatest mistake" by surrendering to the ICPC, sparking debate on political resistance in Nigeria.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:28 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Legit.ng

The "Greatest Mistake" of a Comrade

In a provocative interview that has rippled through Nigeria’s political circles, Solomon Dalung, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former federal minister, has criticized Nasir El-Rufai for his tactical approach to his ongoing legal battles. Dalung contended that by voluntarily surrendering to the ICPC, the former governor abandoned the "comrade" spirit of resistance. According to Dalung, the decision to submit to authority was not an act of transparency but a strategic misstep that opened the door for public disgrace and "humiliation."

Alleged Airport Arrest Plots

Dalung revealed that the tension surrounding El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria was higher than previously reported. He alleged that government officials had unsuccessfully plotted to arrest the former governor at the airport immediately upon his arrival. While that initial attempt failed, Dalung argued that El-Rufai should have maintained a stance of non-cooperation. By choosing to present himself for questioning, Dalung suggests that El-Rufai effectively "downplayed" his own political leverage, a move the former minister views as a fatal error for a veteran politician.

ICPC Custody and Corruption Charges

The former governor is currently remanded in the custody of the ICPC, facing a suite of corruption charges related to his eight-year tenure in Kaduna State. The commission's investigation has intensified following El-Rufai's return, leading to his current detention. While the specific details of the charges remain part of an ongoing judicial process, the fact of his detention has become a lightning rod for varying interpretations of justice. For some, it is the rule of law in action; for others, like Dalung, it is a politically motivated effort to "disgrace" a former power player.