The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern about the continued detention of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and his deteriorating health condition, following reports from his family alleging denial of medical access, restriction of food delivery, and disregard for a court order granting him access to his doctors.

In a statement, the ADC said the reports, if true, represent a dangerous assault on his dignity, health, and constitutional rights.

The party said El-Rufai's predicament confirms beyond all doubt that this detention is no longer about justice but about politics. The ADC said the detention also confirms fears that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deploying the instruments of state power to keep one of the leading opposition figures out of circulation.

The party said that when the former governor's situation is placed beside other high-profile cases, the contrast becomes stark and shameful.

"Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has been accused in an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case. Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, was arrested over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in derivation funds. But today, they are walking around free, singing President Tinubu’s campaign song.

"Mallam El-Rufai was first detained in February after he voluntarily offered himself for investigation and trial. He was later arraigned after weeks in custody and granted bail in April. Yet, the government has contrived to keep him in detention perpetually.

"We state clearly: Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is President Bola Tinubu’s political prisoner. This alone brings the President’s democratic credentials into disrepute."

According to the party, President Tinubu cannot continue to masquerade as a democrat while presiding over the weaponisation of security and anti-corruption agencies against political opponents. "Nigeria is not under a dictatorship. Therefore, compliance with the rule of law cannot be subject to presidential discretion.

"The ADC therefore puts President Tinubu, the ICPC, the EFCC, and all relevant security agencies on notice: they will be held responsible for any deterioration in Mallam El-Rufai’s health or any further violation of his rights.

"The African Democratic Congress has put in motion mechanisms, through every lawful means available locally, nationally, continentally, and internationally, to secure the release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who, by every practical definition, has become a political prisoner in Nigeria," the party said.