Political Storm Erupts As Atiku Says El-Rufai Barred From Seeing Terminally Ill Mother

He made the allegation in his acceptance speech after being declared winner of the ADC presidential primary, where he secured 1,846,370 votes, defeating his rivals to clinch the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku expressed concern over what he described as persistent harassment of opposition leaders, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

He stated that many opposition parties were experiencing leadership crises allegedly orchestrated by the APC, with the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and elements within the judiciary.

According to him, opposition figures are being intimidated and detained, citing El-Rufai as an example, whom he said had been held for three months despite court orders granting him bail. He also claimed the former governor was denied the opportunity to spend time with his family during significant personal moments.

Atiku further alleged that government institutions were being used to pressure opposition politicians into joining the ruling APC, claiming that legal actions against such individuals are often withdrawn once they defect.

He also said efforts to build a coalition of opposition forces were being undermined, despite what he described as careful planning and due diligence. He warned against continued interference in opposition affairs, insisting that such actions would be resisted.

Atiku concluded by calling for respect for democratic processes and urging an end to what he described as political intimidation and abuse of state power.