Why APC Government Wants to Hold El-Rufai Until After 2027 Election – ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government is deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in custody because of his perceived political influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
The allegation was made by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, during a televised interview in which he criticised the handling of El-Rufai’s legal situation. According to Abdullahi, the opposition party believes the former governor is being targeted to weaken political opposition before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.
Abdullahi claimed that El-Rufai has become a key figure in efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling party in the next presidential election. He argued that keeping the former Kaduna governor in custody would reduce his ability to participate actively in political mobilisation and campaign activities.
According to the ADC spokesperson, the party believes the government has concluded that El-Rufai should remain in custody until after the elections. He alleged that authorities are concerned about the former governor’s political relevance and the role he could play in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape if released before the polls.
The ADC also expressed concern about El-Rufai’s reported health condition. Abdullahi stated that the former governor requires proper medical attention and alleged that doctors had recommended close monitoring following recent health concerns. He warned that the Federal Government would bear responsibility should anything happen to El-Rufai while he remains in custody.
The comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former Kaduna State governor, whose case has continued to attract national attention. El-Rufai’s detention has generated varying reactions from political parties, civil society groups and members of the public, with supporters insisting he should be granted due process.
The opposition party argued that democratic governance requires equal political participation and maintained that no political actor should be unfairly prevented from participating in the country’s democratic process through what it described as politically motivated actions.
Abdullahi further alleged that the continued detention of El-Rufai forms part of a wider effort to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections. He maintained that the ADC remains committed to building a strong coalition capable of offering Nigerians an alternative political platform.
Supporters of the APC have consistently rejected allegations that legal actions against political figures are influenced by partisan considerations. Government officials have repeatedly maintained that law enforcement agencies and the judiciary operate independently and that ongoing cases should be allowed to proceed in accordance with the law.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor the APC had issued an official response specifically addressing the ADC’s latest allegations. The claims therefore remain the position of the opposition party and have not been independently substantiated.
Political analysts believe such exchanges are likely to become more frequent as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify. They note that debates surrounding governance, accountability, security and political competition are expected to dominate public discourse in the coming months.
The allegations have generated mixed reactions across social media, with some Nigerians expressing concern over the claims while others urged caution, insisting that ongoing legal matters should not be viewed solely through a political lens. Many observers have called for transparency and due process as the case continues.
For now, the legal proceedings involving El-Rufai remain ongoing, while the ADC continues to insist that the case carries political undertones. Until official evidence is presented to support the allegations or the Federal Government issues a formal response, the claims remain political assertions that have become part of the growing debate ahead of the 2027 general election.
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