If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible... — Bolaji Abdullahi

Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Party (ADC), claimed on Channels Television yesterday that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to keep former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody until after the 2027 elections. According to Abdullahi, the APC government knows that if El-Rufai is released, he will reinvigorate the opposition and remind them of past issues they would rather forget.

El-Rufai is facing trial at the Federal High Court on allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. The case was brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He is also being tried in another case involving alleged wire-tapping by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Abdullahi lamented El-Rufai's health condition, stating that the ADC has expressed concerns that the government might be neglecting his medical needs while he is in custody. The ADC spokesperson claimed that they had learned from the family that El-Rufai had been at a hospital a few days ago and was told to be under close supervision due to his failing health.

Bolaji Abdullahi further stated that every case against the ADC was orchestrated to prevent Nigerians from having a choice in the 2027 general election. He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as merely a slogan that does not mean anything, and said the APC government's focus is on the elections rather than genuinely addressing the country's problems.

Key Facts

  • El-Rufai's trial is ongoing on allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure.
  • He is also being tried for alleged wire-tapping by the DSS.
  • The ADC believes that the APC government wants to keep El-Rufai in custody until after the 2027 elections to prevent the opposition from gaining strength.
  • The former governor is suffering from medical issues and has been advised by the hospital to be under close supervision.
  • The ADC claims that the APC government's focus is on the 2027 general election rather than genuinely addressing the country's problems.

Nasir El-Rufai served as the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2020. He was appointed governor by President Muhammadu Buhari, a member of the All Progressives Congress. El-Rufai is known for his strong stance on issues, including opposition to same-sex marriage and criticism of the Nigerian military for its handling of the Boko Haram insurgency. Throughout his tenure as governor, he was involved in several high-profile controversies, including a 2016 feud with the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

This case has significant implications for the 2027 general election, with many observers predicting that El-Rufai's release could strengthen the opposition. El-Rufai's presence in custody has become a rallying point for the ADC and other opposition parties, who see it as an attack on their rights to contest the election.