The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in detention for political reasons, alleging that the Federal Government has no intention of releasing him before the 2027 general election. The Presidency has not publicly responded to the allegation, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate the claim.
Nigeria’s political battle ahead of the 2027 general election has taken a fresh twist after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleged that the Federal Government intends to keep former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in detention until after the polls.
The allegation was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who argued that the continued detention of the opposition figure is politically motivated rather than driven by the pursuit of justice.
Speaking during a television interview, Abdullahi claimed the ADC believes the ruling administration has concluded that El-Rufai will remain in custody until after the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party views the prolonged detention as part of a broader pattern of pressure against prominent opposition figures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Abdullahi maintained that the allegations against El-Rufai should be tested openly in court, insisting that continued detention without concluding the legal process would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
El-Rufai has remained in the custody of anti-corruption authorities following his arrest in connection with ongoing investigations.
The former governor has consistently denied wrongdoing through his legal representatives, while the ADC has repeatedly described the prosecution as politically motivated.
The Federal Government has maintained that the matter is being handled through lawful judicial and investigative processes. No court has ruled that El-Rufai’s detention is unlawful, and the allegations by the ADC remain political claims that have not been independently verified.
Abdullahi urged the authorities to either conclude the legal process through the courts or release the former governor, arguing that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the relevant security and anti-corruption agencies had issued a fresh response to the ADC’s latest allegation.
The latest accusation further intensifies the political exchanges between the ruling APC and the opposition coalition as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace. With legal proceedings still ongoing, the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention is expected to remain a significant flashpoint in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.