The African Democratic Congress has raised alarm over the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing the situation as politically motivated and a threat to his health and constitutional rights.
In a statement posted on Monday, May 18, by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said reports from El-Rufai’s family indicated that he had been denied proper medical access, restricted from receiving food deliveries, and prevented from complying with a court order granting him access to his doctors.
“The African Democratic Congress is deeply concerned about the continued detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and his deteriorating health condition, following reports from his family alleging denial of medical access, restriction of food delivery, and disregard for a court order granting him access to his doctors. These reports, if true, represent a dangerous assault on his dignity, health, and constitutional rights.”
The party argued that the circumstances surrounding his detention point to political motives rather than a pursuit of justice.
“What is happening to Mallam El-Rufai confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice, it is about politics.
“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. This is political persecution dressed up as prosecution.”
The ADC compared El-Rufai’s situation with other high-profile cases, alleging unequal treatment.
“When placed beside other high-profile cases, the contrast becomes stark and shameful. Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has been accused in an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case.
“Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, was arrested over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in derivation funds. But today, they are walking around free, singing President Tinubu’s campaign song,” the ADC stated.
According to the party, El-Rufai voluntarily presented himself for investigation in February, was later arraigned, and granted bail in April, yet remains in custody.
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“Mallam El-Rufai was first detained in February after he voluntarily offered himself for investigation and trial. 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 party went further to label him a political prisoner, raising concerns about Nigeria’s democratic image.
“We state clearly: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner. This alone brings the President’s democratic credentials into disrepute.”
It also accused the government of misusing security and anti-corruption agencies against perceived opponents.
“President Tinubu cannot continue to masquerade as a democrat while presiding over the weaponisation of security and anti-corruption agencies against political opponents.
“Nigeria is not under a dictatorship. Therefore, compliance with the rule of law cannot be subject to presidential discretion.”
The ADC warned that authorities would be held accountable for any deterioration in El-Rufai’s condition.
“The ADC therefore puts President Tinubu, the ICPC, the EFCC, and all relevant security agencies on notice: they will be held responsible for any deterioration in Mallam El-Rufai’s health or any further violation of his rights.”
The party added that it had begun efforts at multiple levels to secure his 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, who, by every practical definition, has become a political prisoner in Nigeria,” it concluded.