The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that President Bola Tinubu will be held responsible if any harm comes to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while he remains in detention.
The warning was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who alleged that El-Rufai’s continued detention has gone beyond legal proceedings and has become politically motivated. According to Abdullahi, reports from the former governor’s family indicate that his health has deteriorated, with claims that he has faced restrictions on medical access and family visits.
ADC maintained that El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself to investigators and questioned why he has remained in custody despite legal developments surrounding his case. The opposition party described him as a political prisoner and accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to target opposition figures.
The party further argued that the treatment of El-Rufai contrasts with that of other prominent politicians facing corruption allegations who are currently not in detention. It said the situation raises concerns about selective prosecution and the rule of law.
ADC warned that President Tinubu and the security agencies involved would be held accountable should El-Rufai’s health worsen or if anything untoward happens to him while in custody. The party also disclosed that it is pursuing legal and political options, both within and outside Nigeria, to challenge what it described as political persecution.
However, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has rejected allegations that El-Rufai has been denied food, medical attention, or access to his family. The commission insisted it has complied with its established visitation procedures and stated that the former governor has received medical care and family visits in line with its regulations.
