APC holding El-Rufa’i because of 2027 elections – Bolaji Abdullahi 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor? Nasir El-Rufai in detention to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi said the party supports the prosecution of anyone with a genuine case to answer.

However, he argued that keeping El-Rufai in custody over bailable offences and setting what he described as difficult bail conditions raised concerns.

“ADC is not opposed to anybody who has a legitimate case to answer, from being prosecuted,” Abdullahi said.

He added, “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 claimed the government believed a free El-Rufai would strengthen the opposition and increase pressure on the ruling party before the 2027 polls.

He also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, saying the former governor needed proper medical care. Abdullahi said, “If anything happens to Malam Nasir El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu will be held personally responsible.”

The ADC spokesman further alleged that the government was more focused on the 2027 elections than addressing Nigeria’s challenges, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as “just a slogan that does not mean anything.”

El-Rufai is currently facing charges of alleged financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna State governor in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He is also standing trial in a separate alleged wire-tapping case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).