The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) is intentionally ensuring that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai remains in detention until after the 2027 general elections in a bid to weaken opposition forces.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed the Federal Government has no plans to release El-Rufai despite the fact that the charges against him are eligible for bail.
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According to Abdullahi, opposition parties believe the continued detention of the former governor is politically motivated.
“We believe the government is doing everything possible to keep Malam Nasir El-Rufai behind bars until the elections are over,” he said.
He argued that the ruling APC fears El-Rufai’s release because of the influence he could have on strengthening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“They understand that once Malam Nasir El-Rufai regains his freedom, the opposition will become more formidable. They also know he could bring up issues they would rather not revisit,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC spokesperson also raised concerns about El-Rufai’s wellbeing, alleging that he has not been given proper medical attention while in detention.
He warned that if any harm befalls the former governor while in custody, President Bola Tinubu should be held accountable, stressing that ultimate responsibility rests with the President.
Abdullahi further described El-Rufai as a political detainee, accusing the government of using restrictive bail conditions and prolonged detention as tools to silence opposition figures ahead of the next general election.
He also maintained that the APC appears more concerned with securing victory in the 2027 elections than addressing the country’s pressing issues, adding that the ADC coalition was established to offer Nigerians a credible alternative political platform.
El-Rufai is currently facing allegations of financial misconduct brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alongside a separate wiretapping case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). The former governor has consistently denied all allegations against him.
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