ADC Alleges APC Plans to Keep El-Rufai in Custody Until After 2027 Election
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government intends to keep former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody until after the 2027 general election, claiming the move is aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the polls. The allegation was made by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, during a televised interview, where he criticised the government’s handling of El-Rufai’s legal situation.
According to Abdullahi, the ADC believes that El-Rufai’s continued detention is politically motivated and forms part of a broader strategy to reduce the influence of opposition figures before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027. He argued that the former Kaduna State governor remains a significant political force whose release could strengthen the opposition coalition.
The ADC spokesperson stated that the party believes the government has concluded that El-Rufai should remain in custody until after the elections. He alleged that authorities fear the former governor’s political influence and believe his freedom could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general election.
Abdullahi also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s reported health condition, claiming that the former governor requires proper medical attention. He said the opposition had received information indicating that doctors advised close medical monitoring following recent health concerns. He warned that the Federal Government would be held accountable if anything happened to El-Rufai while he remained in custody.
The comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna governor. El-Rufai has remained at the centre of political and legal developments in recent months, with his case attracting significant national attention. His detention has continued to generate debate among political parties, civil society organisations and members of the public.
The ADC further alleged that the actions against El-Rufai form part of a wider effort to weaken opposition voices and limit political competition ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi argued that democratic competition requires a level playing field and insisted that all political actors should be allowed to participate freely within the bounds of the law.
Supporters of the ruling APC have rejected similar accusations in the past, maintaining that legal matters involving public officials should be allowed to proceed independently without political interference. Government officials have repeatedly stated that law enforcement agencies and the courts operate according to the law and due process.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor the APC had issued an official response specifically addressing the ADC’s latest allegation that El-Rufai would be kept in custody until after the 2027 elections.
The development has generated mixed reactions across political circles and social media. While opposition supporters described the allegation as a serious concern requiring public scrutiny, others urged caution, stressing that the claims remain political allegations unless supported by evidence or confirmed through official channels.
Political analysts believe the exchanges reflect the increasingly heated atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general election, with both the ruling party and opposition coalition expected to intensify their campaigns and public messaging in the coming months. As political activities gather momentum, issues surrounding governance, accountability, security and the rule of law are likely to remain central to national debate.
For now, the ADC’s claim remains an allegation that has not been substantiated by independent evidence or acknowledged by the Federal Government. The legal proceedings involving El-Rufai continue, while Nigerians await further developments from the courts and any official response from the relevant authorities.
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