Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sparked mixed reactions on social media after a video showing him kissing his wife at the Federal High Court in Abuja went viral, overshadowing discussions surrounding his ongoing trial.
The video, which circulated online on Monday, October 26, 2026, showed the former governor sharing an affectionate moment with his wife, who was dressed in a pink-and-cream outfit with a matching headscarf and sunglasses.
The brief exchange attracted attention from people at the court and triggered reactions online, with some Nigerians celebrating the couple’s affection while others questioned the appropriateness of the gesture in a courtroom.
Some social media users described the moment as a show of love and solidarity as El-Rufai faces legal challenges, while others argued that a married couple’s private affection should not become a subject of public controversy.
The incident also sparked debate about religion, public morality and the expectations placed on politicians, particularly those whose public image is associated with conservative values.
While some commenters questioned whether the display aligned with religious expectations, others dismissed the criticism, arguing that political controversies should not prevent public figures from expressing affection towards their spouses.
No legal acquittal in El-Rufai’s trial
The viral moment coincided with a significant development in El-Rufai’s ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday dismissed the former governor’s no-case submission in a five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS accused El-Rufai of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The prosecution closed its case after calling two witnesses and presented an exhibit it said contained an admission relating to the alleged interception.
In dismissing the no-case submission, the judge ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution required El-Rufai to enter his defence.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026.
El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The ruling does not amount to a conviction, and the former governor remains entitled to defend himself against the allegations.
Despite the legal implications of the court’s decision, the video of the couple’s affectionate exchange became a major talking point online, prompting a broader conversation about the intersection of public office, private life and societal expectations.
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