African Democratic Congress Accuses ICPC of Blocking Access to El-Rufai
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressed serious concerns on Friday, alleging that the Independent Corruption and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) obstructed its leaders from meeting with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The accusations arose following a visit by party officials to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja that ended without results.
Heavily Armed Police Presence Raises Alarm
During the ADC’s visit, security forces reportedly deployed heavily armed police officers, which the party deemed an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing dissenting voices. This show of force has raised questions about the treatment of opposition figures in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Delegation Denied Access Despite Formal Requests
A delegation led by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, along with ADC national public relations secretary Bolaji Abdullahi and policy committee secretary Salihu Lukman, found themselves denied access to El-Rufai. This occurred despite previous communications with anti-corruption officials and formal requests for visitation rights.
Concerns for El-Rufai’s Safety Highlighted
In a sharply worded statement, Abdullahi emphasized the ADC’s formal appeal to ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, expressing concerns over El-Rufai’s well-being. “Despite prior communication and formal requests, we were denied access without any reasonable explanation,” he noted, raising alarms about the political implications of such actions.
Large-Scale Police Deployment Seen as Excessive
The ADC reported that the atmosphere at the ICPC headquarters shifted dramatically following their arrival, with three truckloads of armed police stationed at the scene. This substantial deployment was described as unwarranted given the peaceful nature of the delegation, which comprised unarmed political leaders.
Political Tensions Escalate Amid El-Rufai’s Detention
The ADC’s protest is set against a backdrop of escalating political tensions surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and the associated reasons for his summons by the ICPC. Although the details of the investigation remain largely undisclosed, El-Rufai has become a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Claims of Poor Treatment and Delayed Access
El-Rufai’s wife, Asia El-Rufai, has previously reported that her husband is not receiving adequate medical attention or food while in custody. Complaints have surfaced regarding delays in facilitating court-granted access to necessary medical care, attributed to bureaucratic obstacles. In response, the ADC has highlighted that ongoing restrictions on access to El-Rufai only serve to heighten public suspicion surrounding his treatment.
ADC Demands Unrestricted Access to El-Rufai
Furthermore, the ADC characterized the actions of authorities as “punishment by process,” suggesting that the treatment of El-Rufai could exacerbate concerns regarding the political manipulation of anti-corruption agencies. The party affirmed its commitment to defending its members, declaring, “Nigeria is watching. The international community is watching,” and demanded that the ICPC facilitate unrestricted access for El-Rufai’s family, legal representatives, and healthcare providers.
