The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, following reports that authorities denied him access to his doctors and prevented his wife from delivering food to him while in custody.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of deploying state institutions to silence opposition voices, describing El-Rufai as a “political prisoner.”
The party noted that despite voluntarily presenting himself for investigation and trial, El-Rufai has remained in prolonged detention and subjected to repeated court appearances, unlike other high-profile corruption suspects who are currently enjoying their freedom.
The statement reads:
“The African Democratic Congress is deeply concerned about the continued detention of Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and the reports of his deteriorating health condition. Allegations by his family that he has been denied access to his doctors, prevented from receiving food from his wife, and subjected to disregard for a valid court order are deeply troubling.
“If true, these actions represent a grave assault on his dignity, health, and constitutional rights.
“What is happening to Mallam El-Rufai confirms beyond doubt that this matter is no longer about justice; it is about politics. It validates our fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is using the machinery of state to keep a leading opposition figure out of circulation. This is political persecution disguised as prosecution.
“When compared with other high-profile cases, the double standard becomes glaring. Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is facing allegations involving N80.2 billion, while former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was arrested over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in derivation funds. Yet today, both men are walking free and openly aligned with the ruling party.
“Mallam El-Rufai voluntarily submitted himself for investigation in February. He was later arraigned and granted bail in April, yet the authorities have continued to contrive ways to keep him perpetually detained.
“We state clearly and unequivocally: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political prisoner. This development seriously undermines the President’s democratic credentials.
“President Tinubu cannot continue to present himself as a democrat while presiding over the weaponisation of security and anti-corruption agencies against political opponents. Nigeria is not a dictatorship, and adherence to the rule of law cannot depend on presidential discretion.
“Accordingly, the ADC puts President Tinubu, the ICPC, the EFCC, and all relevant security agencies on notice that they will be held responsible for any further deterioration in Mallam El-Rufai’s health or any violation of his fundamental rights.
“The African Democratic Congress has activated all lawful mechanisms 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.”
