The African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleges that the federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are keeping former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai in detention to influence the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said the government has “no intention” of releasing el-Rufai before the polls, arguing that his release would strengthen the opposition.
ADC also says el-Rufai is facing ongoing prosecution linked to alleged financial misconduct cases. Sources in the reports point to charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) related to el-Rufai’s tenure as governor. Additional reporting also references a separate case involving wire-tapping brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).
While Abdullahi says the party supports prosecution where cases are legitimate, he questions the continuation of detention, including the claim that the alleged offences are bailable. One report also highlights Abdullahi’s warning that President Bola Tinubu could be held responsible if anything happens to el-Rufai while in custody. The APC or the federal government is not cited as responding in these summaries.
