The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Friday accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, of preventing senior party leaders from meeting former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the party, the delegation visited the commission as part of efforts to check on El-Rufai but was not allowed access despite earlier communication with the anti-corruption agency. The delegation included former Osun State Governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and Secretary of the party’s Policy and Manifesto Committee, Salihu Lukman.
ADC said the visit was arranged after concerns were raised about the welfare and condition of the former governor while in custody.
The party also alleged that security presence around the commission increased during the visit, claiming that armed police officers were deployed around the premises. According to ADC, the security arrangement created tension and gave the impression that opposition figures were being treated differently.
The opposition party argued that denying access to political associates and restricting visitation could raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the handling of the matter.
ADC further referred to earlier concerns reportedly raised by El-Rufai’s family, including claims relating to access to medical care, food and visits while in custody. The party stated that relatives had also complained about delays in approved access arrangements.
The party maintained that El-Rufai had made himself available to authorities and should be treated in line with constitutional provisions and legal procedures.
ADC also warned against actions that could create the impression that public institutions were being used for political purposes and called for unrestricted access to the former governor by his family members, legal team, medical personnel and associates.
As of the time the report emerged, ICPC had not issued an official response to the latest claims made by the opposition party.