Mohammed Hayatudeen, who also contested in the primary election, polled 177,120.
He said the results were fraudulent and concocted.
Mr Hayatu-Deen said, “I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging.”
The returning officer said a total of 69,434 votes were cast during the primary.
“The issue is that, at all times that he has passed primaries, he has not won elections,” he said.
The ruling comes shortly after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar called for Mr El-Rufai’s release to enable him to celebrate Eid at home.
He said the development raises concerns about the use of state power to intimidate perceived political opponents.
“It is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair,” he said.
Screening of aspirants is scheduled for May 8 to 12, 2026.
Mr Ibe said that he is not aware of such a decision and asked him to provide proof for his claim.
