Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and a member of the House of Representatives, has thanked Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi for repeatedly checking on his father during his prolonged detention.
Bello made the remarks in a video circulating online on Tuesday while speaking about political figures who had contacted him over his father’s situation.
He said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were among those who contacted him to ask about El-Rufai.
Bello, however, singled out Obi for particular appreciation, saying the former Anambra governor had repeatedly called him to ask about his father.
“I would like to thank them, particularly Mr Peter Obi. He always called me to ask about my dad. And for me, at 38, it’s a lesson in life because, in the case of Obi, I used to be critical of him,” Bello said.
He said the experience had taught him a personal lesson, particularly because he had previously been critical of Obi.
Obi had earlier spoken publicly about El-Rufai’s detention.
In March, the former Anambra governor described the detention as “political persecution” and called for the rule of law to prevail.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirmed on February 18, 2026, that El-Rufai was in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
El-Rufai was later granted bail in separate proceedings but has remained in custody amid difficulties meeting the conditions imposed by the courts.
He is facing separate legal proceedings involving the ICPC and the Department of State Services.
The DSS case concerns alleged unlawful interception of a telephone communication involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on September 22 reserved ruling until October 26 on his no-case submission in the wiretapping case.
Bello also spoke about his father’s experience in detention, saying El-Rufai had been using the period to read books, study the Quran and reflect on his experiences.
“And for Malam, he is using the time to finish books, catch up, read the Quran, so it’s also a moment for him in isolation to reflect, plan better, and tone down on things like that,” he said.
Bello’s comments come amid continued political and legal attention surrounding his father’s detention.
Obi formally joined the NDC in May and was later unveiled as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate.
