ADC Accuses Tinubu Govt of Political Persecution After El-Rufai's Doctor's Arrest

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of political persecution, citing the reported arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's personal physician and the alleged assault on his wife.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) officials prevented El-Rufai from receiving medical treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, despite medical advice. The ADC stated that El-Rufai's wife and physician protested the decision, leading to a scuffle where the wife was allegedly assaulted and the doctor arrested.

The opposition party described the development as an abuse of constitutional rights, alleging that the Tinubu administration is using state institutions to target political opponents. The ADC further claimed El-Rufai has been denied access to his family and personal physician, despite court orders granting him unrestricted access to his lawyers, doctor, and family.

The ADC called on the ICPC to explain the legal basis for the alleged restrictions and the physician's arrest. It urged President Bola Tinubu to take responsibility for the anti-corruption agency's actions, insisting the president cannot distance himself from the matter. The party demanded immediate and unrestricted access for El-Rufai to his family, legal team, and medical practitioners, a review of his bail conditions, improved detention conditions, compliance with constitutional and international standards for detainees, and an end to the alleged use of state institutions for political intimidation. The ICPC had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing the report.