By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying party leaders access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. According to the party, the visit took place after formal communication with the agency and aimed to check on El-Rufai’s wellbeing while in custody. The delegation claimed security personnel blocked access and deployed heavily armed officers during the visit, raising concerns over the treatment of opposition figures.
ADC Delegation Denied Access to El-Rufai
The ADC said a senior delegation visited the ICPC headquarters in Abuja but failed to gain entry to see El-Rufai.
The delegation included Rauf Aregbesola, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and Secretary of the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee Salihu Lukman.
Abdullahi stated that the party had written to ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu before the visit to request access.
He said:
“Earlier today, alongside the National Secretary of our party, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman, we visited the headquarters of the ICPC in Abuja to see Mallam El-Rufai. Despite prior communication and formal requests, we were denied access without any reasonable explanation.”
Party Raises Concerns Over Security Presence
The opposition party also alleged that security agencies increased their presence shortly after the delegation arrived.
According to the statement, authorities deployed three truckloads of armed police officers around the Commission’s premises.
ADC described the deployment as unnecessary and argued that it projected an image of intimidation rather than professional engagement.
The party said:
“The heavy deployment appeared unnecessary and disproportionate to the peaceful presence of unarmed political leaders.”
ADC added that the action strengthened concerns that institutions could be used to pressure opposition voices.
ADC Demands Access and Fair Treatment
The party maintained that El-Rufai voluntarily responded to authorities and should receive treatment that aligns with constitutional protections.
ADC demanded unrestricted access for his family, legal representatives, doctors, and political associates.
The statement added:
“Anything short of this will only reinforce public perception that state institutions are being weaponised against opposition voices.”
The party also criticised what it called “punishment by process” and warned that continued restrictions could increase public suspicion.
Family’s Earlier Allegations Referenced
ADC referenced earlier claims reportedly made by El-Rufai’s wife, Asia El-Rufai.
According to the party, she alleged that El-Rufai was denied access to his doctor and prevented from receiving food while in custody.
The statement further claimed that family members complained that even court-approved medical access faced delays due to administrative procedures.
ICPC Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued an official response to ADC’s latest allegations.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has become more active in opposition politics following his alignment with ADC ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
