RismadarVoice Reporters
May 18, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that his health condition is deteriorating while in custody.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Federal Government of using state institutions to target opposition figures, describing El-Rufai as a “political prisoner.”
The ADC’s reaction followed reports by El-Rufai’s family alleging that authorities denied him access to his doctors and prevented his wife from delivering food to him while in detention.
According to the party, such actions, if confirmed, amount to a violation of the former governor’s constitutional rights and disregard for human dignity.
“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. This is political persecution dressed up as prosecution.”
The ADC contrasted El-Rufai’s situation with those of other former governors facing corruption allegations, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that both men are currently not in detention.
The party alleged that despite voluntarily presenting himself for investigation in February and later being granted bail in April, El-Rufai has remained in custody under what it described as “contrived” circumstances.
“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner,” the ADC declared, adding that the development casts doubt on the President’s democratic credentials.
The opposition party further accused the administration of weaponising anti-corruption and security agencies against political opponents, insisting that Nigeria must remain governed by the rule of law.
“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 statement added.
The party also disclosed that it had activated both local and international legal and advocacy mechanisms aimed at securing the release of the former governor.
