Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati says former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is unlikely to be released before the election, though legal reasons remain central. Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Abati points to what he describes as stringent bail conditions that the court has not relaxed. He says one key condition requires El-Rufai to produce a Level 17 official from the Federal Capital Territory, a requirement El-Rufai reportedly says he cannot meet. Abati also links the timeline to the case’s broader context, including allegations related to wiretapping and corruption. He notes that court proceedings have been adjourned until September, which affects the pace of any potential release. While Abati characterizes the situation as having a political dimension, he also emphasizes that the court controls bail conditions and that release would depend on compliance with those terms. According to his assessment, the combination of the unvaried bail conditions and ongoing proceedings makes release before the election unlikely.