The ICPC has responded to allegations by the African Democratic Congress that its leaders were prevented from meeting Nasir El-Rufai and faced intimidation during their visit to the commission’s headquarters.
According to the commission’s spokesman, John Odey, the decision to deny access was based on conditions already set by the court. He explained that the ADC had earlier written to seek permission for some of its senior members, including Rauf Aregbesola and Bolaji Abdullahi, to visit El-Rufai.
Odey said the commission received the request and replied before the planned visit, informing the party that the request could not be approved because the court order only permits access to a limited group of people.
The ICPC stated that only El-Rufai’s immediate family members, legal representatives and medical doctors are allowed to visit him under the current arrangement. The agency maintained that political associates and party officials are not included in that category and, as a result, approval could not be granted.
The commission also dismissed claims that ADC leaders were intimidated during the visit. Odey said no special security deployment was ordered because of their presence and explained that armed police officers and patrol vehicles stationed at the headquarters are part of normal security operations at the facility.
ICPC maintained that it remains bound by the court’s directive and cannot go beyond the limits already set. The commission said its actions were guided by legal procedures and not political considerations.
The response followed earlier complaints by the ADC, which accused the agency of blocking access to El-Rufai and creating an atmosphere meant to discourage opposition figures. The party had also raised concerns about the former governor’s welfare while in custody.
El-Rufai is currently facing trial over an amended nine-count charge linked to alleged breaches of anti-corruption laws, fraud-related provisions, procurement regulations and sections of Kaduna State law. He has denied all allegations brought against him.
The commission insisted that until there is any change to the court’s position, visitation rights will remain limited to those categories already approved.