ADC Accuses ICPC of Intimidation Over El-Rufai Access

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) claimed intimidation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after their leaders, including former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and ADC National Public Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, were denied access to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. Despite prior communication and a formal request to visit, the ADC leaders were turned away without explanation.

The ADC alleged that the atmosphere at the ICPC became tense upon their arrival, with three truckloads of armed police deployed, which they described as unnecessary and disproportionate. The ADC stated that this action created an impression of fear towards opposition figures and accused the government of using state institutions to harass political opponents.

They demanded that the ICPC grant El-Rufai unrestricted access to his family, lawyers, and doctors, asserting that he is entitled to dignity and fair treatment under the law. The ADC's protest comes amid rising political tensions surrounding El-Rufai's detention and his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu's administration.