The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in detention as part of a strategy to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party has no objection to the prosecution of anyone facing genuine legal charges. However, he argued that the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention raise concerns about possible political interference.
Abdullahi maintained that the former governor is being held despite facing offences that are eligible for bail, adding that the strict bail conditions imposed on him have fueled suspicions that authorities intend to keep him in custody for an extended period.
According to him, members of the ADC believe the government does not plan to release El-Rufai before the 2027 elections because of the influence he could have in strengthening the opposition coalition.
He claimed that El-Rufai’s release would significantly boost opposition efforts ahead of the next general election, alleging that this was the reason behind his continued detention.
The ADC spokesperson also raised concerns over El-Rufai’s health, saying reports from his family indicated that doctors at the National Hospital recommended that he remain under medical supervision after his condition reportedly worsened.
Abdullahi warned that the Federal Government would be held accountable if anything happened to the former Kaduna governor while in custody, describing him as a political prisoner.
He further accused the ruling APC of using legal proceedings as a tool to weaken opposition figures, arguing that the party appeared more focused on securing victory in the 2027 elections than addressing pressing national issues.
Abdullahi said the ADC coalition was formed to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative, while dismissing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda as merely a slogan.
El-Rufai is currently facing charges of alleged financial misconduct brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over actions linked to his time as Kaduna State governor. He is also standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unlawfully intercepting telephone communications in a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
