By Ahmed Akanbi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using state institutions to suppress opposition figures, citing the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said El-Rufai’s health is deteriorating in custody and alleged he has been denied access to his personal doctors.

ADC also claimed his wife was prevented from delivering food to him.

Describing El-Rufai as a “political prisoner,” the party said the circumstances of his detention point to political persecution rather than lawful prosecution.

“What is happening to Mallam El-Rufai confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice; it is about politics,” the statement read.

The party said El-Rufai voluntarily submitted himself for investigation in February and was arraigned after weeks in custody. Though reportedly granted bail in April, the ADC alleged authorities have kept him detained through deliberate government actions.

The ADC compared El-Rufai’s case to those of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, both facing corruption charges but not in detention, saying the differing treatment raises concerns about selective justice and abuse of state institutions.

“President Tinubu cannot continue to portray himself as a democrat while presiding over the weaponisation of security and anti-corruption agencies against political opponents,” the party said.

The ADC warned that Tinubu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC would be held responsible if El-Rufai’s condition worsens or his rights are violated.