ADC accuses APC of holding El-Rufai over 2027 polls as Bolaji Abdullahi raises concerns about detention, bail conditions and health
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody to weaken opposition momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: ADC Slams APC Over 2027 Focus Amid Nigeria Hardship
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi made the allegation on Thursday, 10 July 2026, during an interview on Channels Television, where he claimed the continued detention of the former governor raised political concerns.
Abdullahi stressed that the party was not against the prosecution of individuals facing legitimate allegations, but questioned the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and the bail conditions attached to the case.
“ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer, from being prosecuted,” Abdullahi said.
However, he alleged that the government may have a political motive for keeping El-Rufai in custody, claiming that the former governor’s release could strengthen opposition efforts ahead of the next election cycle.
“The thinking within the ADC is that the APC government has concluded that they will not release Malam Nasir El-Rufai until after the elections,” Abdullahi said.
The opposition spokesperson further claimed that a free El-Rufai could increase pressure on the ruling party and provide greater support for opposition activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
Abdullahi also raised concerns about El-Rufai’s health, saying the former governor required access to appropriate medical attention while in custody.
He warned that any serious harm to El-Rufai during detention would raise questions about the government’s responsibility.
“If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible,” he said.
The ADC accuses APC of holding El-Rufai claim comes amid broader political tensions as parties begin preparing for the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi also criticised the administration’s policies, arguing that the government was paying more attention to political calculations than addressing economic hardship and insecurity.
He described the Renewed Hope Agenda, the policy framework of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as “just a slogan that does not mean anything”, while calling for greater focus on issues affecting Nigerians.
El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.
The case was filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
He is also involved in a separate alleged wire-tapping case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Also read: ADC Slams APC Over 2027 Focus Amid Nigeria Hardship
The APC and relevant government agencies have not accepted the ADC’s allegations of political motivation, and the legal proceedings against El-Rufai remain before the courts.
