Why APC govt wants to hold El-Rufai until after 2027 election: ADC

Nasir El-Rufai's prolonged detention has become a contentious issue, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of deliberately holding him in custody to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election. The ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this allegation during an interview on Channels Television, highlighting the party's concerns about the motivations behind El-Rufai's continued detention.

The ADC believes that the government's handling of El-Rufai's case, despite facing bailable offences, suggests a political motive. According to Abdullahi, the APC government is determined to keep El-Rufai in custody until after the next election, fearing that his influence would strengthen the opposition coalition if he were released. This perspective is rooted in the ADC's analysis of the electoral landscape, where El-Rufai's freedom is seen as a turning point. With his influence, the opposition would be better positioned to challenge the APC's grip on power.

The ADC has also expressed concern over El-Rufai's health, citing reports from his family that doctors at the National Hospital advised he should remain under medical observation after his condition deteriorated. This development has raised questions about the government's responsibility in ensuring the Former Governor's well-being while in detention. Abdullahi went as far as stating that if anything were to happen to El-Rufai in detention, President Bola Tinubu would be held personally responsible. This accusation underscores the ADC's conviction that El-Rufai is being treated as a political prisoner.

The ADC's allegations against the APC government are part of a broader narrative about the party's election strategy. Abdullahi argued that the APC is more focused on undermining the opposition than addressing the country's challenges. The ADC sees the APC's Renewed Hope Agenda as a slogan, rather than a genuine attempt to address the country's problems. In contrast, the ADC coalition was formed to offer Nigerians an alternative political platform, driven by the opposition's determination to provide a viable opposition to the APC.

The ADC's accusations against the APC government are also informed by its analysis of the electoral landscape. With El-Rufai's influence on the opposition, the ADC believes that the APC will find it increasingly difficult to maintain its grip on power. In the ADC's estimation, the opposition coalition will become stronger with El-Rufai's freedom, making it a formidable force in the 2027 general election. This prediction is based on the ADC's understanding of the dynamics of Nigerian politics, where the influence of key figures like El-Rufai can significantly impact the outcome of elections.

As the 2027 general election draws near, the ADC's allegations against the APC government will likely continue to intensify.With the ADC's conviction that the APC is determined to keep El-Rufai in custody until after the elections, the stage is set for a heated electoral battle in 2027.