The African Democratic Congress has expressed concern over the continued detention and alleged worsening health condition of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that authorities denied El-Rufai access to his personal doctors while also preventing his wife from delivering food to him during his detention.
The opposition party described the situation as a violation of the former governor’s constitutional rights and warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be held responsible for any further deterioration in El-Rufai’s health.
According to the ADC, the Federal Government is allegedly using state institutions to suppress opposition figures ahead of the 2027 political season.
The party argued that El-Rufai’s continued detention appeared politically motivated rather than a genuine effort to pursue justice.
“What is happening to Mallam El-Rufai confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice, it is about politics,” the statement read.
“It also confirms our fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying the instruments of state power to keep one of the leading opposition figures out of circulation.”
The ADC compared El-Rufai’s situation with the treatment of other former governors facing corruption-related allegations.
The party referenced former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, alleging that despite accusations against them, they remained free.
“Mallam El-Rufai was first detained in February after he voluntarily offered himself for investigation and trial,” the party stated.
“He was later arraigned after weeks in custody and granted bail in April. Yet, the government has contrived to keep him in detention perpetually.”
The ADC further described the former governor as a political prisoner and accused the Tinubu administration of undermining democratic values and the rule of law.
“We state clearly: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner,” the statement added.
The party insisted that obedience to court rulings and constitutional rights should not depend on political considerations or presidential preference.
It also stated that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other security agencies would be held accountable alongside the Federal Government for any further alleged violation of El-Rufai’s rights.
The ADC further disclosed that it had initiated legal and diplomatic efforts at local, continental and international levels aimed at securing the former governor’s release.
“The African Democratic Congress has put in motion mechanisms, through every lawful means available locally, nationally, continentally, and internationally, to secure the release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” the statement said.
