The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately detaining former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement on Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said while the party supports the prosecution of anyone with a legitimate case, the prolonged detention of El-Rufai over bailable offences raises serious concerns. He argued that the government’s refusal to grant him reasonable bail conditions suggests a political motive tied to the upcoming elections.
Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC does not oppose legal action against individuals with genuine allegations, but stressed that the current situation with El-Rufai appears politically driven. He stated that the APC leadership has likely decided not to release El-Rufai until after the 2027 elections, fearing his presence would energize the opposition and challenge their dominance. The ADC official also expressed deep concern over El-Rufai’s health, calling for immediate medical attention and warning that any harm to the former governor while in custody would place personal responsibility on President Bola Tinubu.
The ADC spokesman further criticized the federal government for prioritizing electoral strategy over addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He dismissed the Renewed Hope Agenda as “just a slogan that does not mean anything,” suggesting the administration is more focused on consolidating power than delivering on its promises. El-Rufai is currently facing two separate legal cases. The first involves allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The second is a wire-tapping case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
These charges have led to his continued detention, despite the nature of the offences being bailable. Abdullahi’s remarks reflect growing political tension as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with opposition parties increasingly vocal about perceived government overreach. The ADC’s stance underscores a broader narrative of political repression and selective justice, which could influence voter sentiment in the coming years. As legal proceedings continue, the case remains a focal point in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. The outcome may set a precedent for how high-profile political figures are treated under the current administration.
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