The African Democratic Congress has urged authorities to either free former Nasir El-Rufai or promptly charge him in court, warning that his continued detention without formal charges breaches constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said El-Rufai initially honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before he was subsequently taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The party noted that the former governor of Kaduna State has remained in custody for over a month without being formally arraigned or granted access to his relatives and medical attention.
Describing the situation as unacceptable in a democratic system, the ADC maintained that the rights to liberty, fair hearing and political participation are fundamental protections guaranteed by the Constitution.
The party further claimed that El-Rufai had alleged he was pressured to withdraw from political engagements as a condition for regaining his freedom, warning that such actions threaten democratic norms.
It therefore called on relevant authorities, including the leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to ensure full compliance with the rule of law.
El-Rufai, however, remains under investigation by both the EFCC and ICPC over the alleged diversion of N432bn in public funds in Kaduna State, while the Department of State Services has also filed cybercrime charges following remarks he made during a February 13 interview on Arise TV.
