Political Tension Rises As ADC Alleges Block After ICPC Stops Leaders From Visiting Nasir El-Rufai

The party raised the allegation in a statement on Friday, following an incident in which senior members of its delegation were prevented from visiting the former governor. The delegation included the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and the Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman.

According to the ADC, it had earlier written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, seeking permission to visit El-Rufai, amid concerns raised by his family over alleged restrictions on access to medical care and basic necessities.

The party described the denial of access as troubling, warning that “Nigeria and the world are watching,” and alleging that El-Rufai was being subjected to intimidation and political persecution. It further threatened nationwide mobilisation if continued access to him is not granted.

The ADC maintained that El-Rufai is not a fugitive and urged the ICPC not to allow itself to be used as a tool against opposition figures. It stressed that he is entitled to dignity, medical attention, family visits, and fair treatment under the law.

In the detailed statement, the party also claimed that its leaders were met with heightened security presence upon arrival at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, describing the situation as intimidating and unnecessary.

The ADC further referenced concerns allegedly raised by El-Rufai’s family regarding limited access to doctors and food, insisting that the situation raises public suspicion despite ICPC’s denial of any wrongdoing.

Reaffirming its position, the party demanded immediate and unrestricted access to El-Rufai for his family, lawyers, doctors, and political associates, warning that failure to do so would deepen public concerns about the use of state institutions against opposition voices.