Nasir El‑Rufai’s detention seen as political tactic ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 election

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleges that Nigeria’s federal government is deliberately keeping former Kaduna governor Nasir El‑Rufai in detention to weaken the opposition before the 2027 general election. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi told Channels Television that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has imposed near‑impossible bail conditions on bailable offences, suggesting a strategy to hold El‑Rufai until after the polls.

El‑Rufai faces two separate criminal cases: one filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged financial misconduct during his governorship, and another by the Department of State Services accusing him of unlawful telephone interception. Abdullahi warned that the former governor’s health is deteriorating in custody and said President Bola Tinubu would be personally responsible if anything happens to El‑Rufai. The ADC claims the detention is intended to prevent El‑Rufai from strengthening an emerging opposition coalition.

The party also criticized the government for focusing on the upcoming election rather than addressing Nigeria’s socio‑economic and security challenges, describing the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as merely a slogan.