The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu, stating that he will be personally accountable if any harm befalls former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai while in detention. The warning was delivered by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party's national publicity secretary, during an interview on Symfoni, where he expressed deep concern over el-Rufai's deteriorating health in custody.
Political Motive Alleged
Abdullahi argued that el-Rufai's continued detention is not driven by legal necessity but by political calculations aimed at sidelining a key opposition figure ahead of the 2027 general elections. "The continued detention of el-Rufai has everything to do with politics," Abdullahi said. He accused the administration of using state instruments to weaken the ADC by keeping one of its most prominent leaders out of the political arena.
El-Rufai's Legal Battles
The former governor is currently facing two separate criminal cases. The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a five-count amended charge against him, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted telephone conversations linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Separately, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting him on a nine-count charge. His application for bail was dismissed in early July, leaving him in custody as legal proceedings continue.
Appeal for Presidential Intervention
El-Rufai's wives have publicly appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and secure his release, citing concerns over his health. Abdullahi echoed these concerns, warning that remaining in detention could have serious consequences for the former governor's well-being. He described the situation as a betrayal, recalling that el-Rufai played a significant role in rallying northern support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election campaign, even when other political figures were pushing for a different candidate.
Betrayal of a Political Ally
Abdullahi noted that el-Rufai's past support for Tinubu makes the current treatment particularly egregious. "Against that backdrop, the current treatment of el-Rufai is a betrayal," he said. The ADC spokesman's remarks highlight the growing tension between el-Rufai's political camp and the federal government as both sides prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle. The ADC has positioned itself as a key opposition force, and el-Rufai's detention is seen as an attempt to cripple its momentum.
