The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention as part of an alleged strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was not against the prosecution of individuals facing legitimate allegations. However, he questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s continued detention, particularly over offences he described as bailable.
“ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer being prosecuted,” Abdullahi said.
He, however, alleged that the conditions attached to El-Rufai’s bail and his continued stay in custody suggested a political motive by the government. According to him, "The thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Malam Nasir El-Rufai until after the elections.”
Abdullahi claimed that the government was concerned that El-Rufai’s freedom could boost opposition activities and increase pressure on the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ADC spokesman also raised concerns about the former governor’s health, insisting that El-Rufai required adequate medical attention while in custody. He warned that any negative development concerning his wellbeing would have serious political consequences.
“If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible,” Abdullahi said.
He further accused the APC-led administration of prioritising electoral calculations over governance, alleging that the government was more focused on the 2027 elections than addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.
Abdullahi criticised the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as “just a slogan that does not mean anything".
El-Rufai is currently facing allegations of financial misconduct linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor in a case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He is also involved in a separate case involving alleged wire-tapping charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
