The ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Immediate Arraignment or Release, Faults Prolonged Detention

The African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate release or arraignment of Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic norms.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern that the former governor has remained in custody for over 30 days after initially honouring an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before being transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

According to the party, El-Rufai has neither been formally charged nor granted adequate access to family members and medical attention since his detention.

ADC described the development as a violation of constitutional guarantees, stressing that liberty, fair hearing, and political participation remain fundamental rights that cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily.

The statement further alleged that the former governor was pressured to surrender his political rights in exchange for freedom, warning that such actions undermine democratic governance and public confidence in state institutions.
The party urged relevant authorities, including the office of the National Security Adviser and the ICPC leadership, to act strictly within the provisions of the Constitution and avoid turning anti-corruption institutions into instruments of political intimidation.

ADC also called on Nigerians to defend democratic values, noting that the erosion of civil rights often begins with silence over individual cases before spreading wider.

It maintained that anti-corruption agencies were established to investigate and prosecute corruption within the law, not to be perceived as tools for partisan battles.

The party therefore insisted that El-Rufai should either be charged before a competent court without further delay or released immediately in line with constitutional provisions.

Meanwhile, investigations surrounding the former governor continue, with allegations linked to the diversion of public funds during his administration in Kaduna State.

He is also facing separate legal scrutiny following comments made during an interview on Arise TV, where he reportedly admitted accessing intercepted conversations involving the National Security Adviser.