Abdullahi made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni, saying el-Rufai's deteriorating health in detention is a matter of serious concern. In a separate matter, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting him on a nine-count charge. His wives have since appealed publicly to President Tinubu to intervene and secure his release. Against that backdrop, the ADC spokesman described the current treatment of el-Rufai as a betrayal. Abdullahi's comments reflect the growing tension between el-Rufai's current political camp and the federal government, as both sides prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle.