The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of obstructing access to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The accusation comes after a delegation of senior party leaders was denied entry to see him at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
Delegation Denied Access
The delegation included the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; and Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman. They visited the commission on Friday but were turned away without explanation.
In a statement, the party revealed that it had previously written to ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights for El-Rufai. This request was prompted by concerns from his family over alleged denial of access to doctors and food.
Heavy Security Presence
The ADC noted that during the visit, the atmosphere became tense after at least three truckloads of armed police officers arrived at the facility. The party described the heavy deployment as disproportionate and unnecessary, given the peaceful nature of the unarmed political leaders.
“The heavy deployment created the impression that authorities feared that the mere presence of opposition leaders could trigger public outrage,” the statement read. The ADC emphasized that at no point did the delegation threaten disorder or mobilize supporters.
Allegations of Political Persecution
The party expressed deep concern that state institutions are being used as instruments of political pressure and intimidation against dissenting voices. It highlighted reports that El-Rufai has faced restrictions on access to family members and medical personnel, despite court orders.
Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, the former governor’s wife, publicly alleged that her husband was denied access to his doctor and that she was prevented from delivering food to him. The ADC stated that the ICPC has denied these allegations but insisted that the continued refusal to allow party leaders access deepens suspicion.
Demands for Unrestricted Access
The ADC demanded that the ICPC immediately grant unrestricted access to El-Rufai by his family, doctors, lawyers, and political party leaders. “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities. Under the Constitution, he is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment,” the statement said.
The party warned that it would mobilize members nationwide if access continues to be denied. “Nigeria is watching. The international community is watching. The world is watching,” the ADC concluded.
