The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its criticism of the Federal Government over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, describing the move as politically motivated and aimed at sidelining him ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that el-Rufai’s detention is driven by politics rather than the pursuit of justice. He maintained that if the allegations against the former governor are criminal in nature, they should be resolved through the courts without prolonged detention.
“This is not about law. It is not about crime and punishment. It is politics,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, the Federal Government’s intention is to prevent el-Rufai from participating in the next election and from strengthening the opposition.
“It is clear to us that the intention of this APC government is to ensure that Mallam Nasir el-Rufai does not participate in this election and does not strengthen the opposition. That is exactly what they plan to do,” he stated.
Abdullahi also recalled el-Rufai’s role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, noting that the former governor was among northern political leaders who rallied support for Tinubu when some groups advocated for power to remain in the North.
He further claimed to have seen videos of Tinubu appealing to el-Rufai not to leave the country, saying his administration would need his support. Abdullahi questioned what had changed since then, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the former governor’s detention had raised concerns about political interference.
The ADC spokesman also expressed concern over el-Rufai’s reported health condition in custody and called on President Tinubu to intervene.
“I’ll repeat it here. If, God forbid, anything happens to Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, President Bola Tinubu should realise, even if he didn’t intend it, that he would be held personally responsible, and the consequences cannot even be imagined,” he warned.
He urged the Federal Government to grant el-Rufai bail, arguing that he should be allowed to defend himself in court rather than remain in detention.
Abdullahi further stated that the ADC would investigate the circumstances surrounding the former governor’s detention if it wins power after the 2027 general election.
El-Rufai is currently facing a five-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of unlawfully intercepting telephone conversations linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He is also standing trial before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a separate nine-count charge.
His bail application was dismissed earlier this month, while his wives have appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and facilitate his release.
The Federal Government has yet to publicly respond to the ADC’s latest allegations.