The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately prolonging former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s detention because of its 2027 plans.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi said the party supports the prosecution of anyone with a genuine case to answer.
However, he argued that keeping El-Rufai in custody over bailable offences and setting what he described as difficult bail conditions raised concerns.
Abdullahi said, “ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer, from being prosecuted.”
He added, “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.”
According to Abdullahi, the administration believed that El-Rufai’s release would significantly bolster the opposition coalition and intensify political pressure on the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, he voiced concern about El-Rufai’s health, stating that the former governor required appropriate medical attention. “President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible if anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention,” Abdullahi declared.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman further criticized the federal government, asserting that the current administration is profoundly consumed by its 2027 re-election ambitions rather than addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic crises. He dismissed the administration’s signature “Renewed Hope Agenda” as nothing more than a hollow political slogan devoid of tangible meaning or execution capacity.
Backstory…
Recall that El-Rufai is currently facing charges of alleged financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna State governor in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former Kaduna State governor is also standing trial in a separate alleged wire-tapping case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
His recent arrest and prosecution by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption and money laundering have further heightened political tensions, with El-Rufai insisting the charges are politically motivated. The Federal Government has maintained that the prosecution is based solely on evidence uncovered during investigations.
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