The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the continued detention and alleged deteriorating health condition of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that authorities denied El-Rufai access to his doctors and prevented his wife from delivering food to him while in custody.
The ADC described the situation as a violation of his constitutional rights and warned that President Bola Tinubu should be held responsible for any deterioration in his health.
The opposition party accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to suppress opposition figures.
According to the ADC, El-Rufai’s continued detention was politically motivated rather than driven by the 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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The ADC contrasted El-Rufai’s detention with the treatment of other former governors facing corruption allegations.
The party referenced former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, alleging that despite serious allegations against them, they remained free.
“Mallam El-Rufai was first detained in February after he voluntarily offered himself for investigation and trial,” the party stated.
“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 ADC further described the former governor as a political prisoner and accused Tinubu of undermining democratic principles.
“We state clearly: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner,” the statement added.
The party argued that compliance with the rule of law should not depend on presidential discretion.
The opposition party said President Tinubu, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies would be held responsible for any further violation of El-Rufai’s rights.
The ADC also disclosed that it had begun pursuing lawful local and international measures aimed at securing 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,” the statement said.