ADC Raises Alarm Over Security Presence, Denied Access to El-Rufai in ICPC Custody

 By Kehinde Awosina 







The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying its delegation access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is reportedly in the custody of the anti-graft agency.


In a statement issued on May 22, 2026, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said senior party leaders, including former Osun State Governor and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and Policy and Manifesto Committee Secretary, Salihu Lukman, visited the ICPC headquarters in Abuja to seek access to El-Rufai but were allegedly turned away without explanation.


According to the party, prior communication had been sent to the ICPC leadership requesting a formal visitation, but the request was not granted.


The ADC further alleged that while its delegation was at the premises awaiting a response, the environment became tense following the arrival of multiple truckloads of armed police officers, describing the deployment as “disproportionate” and unnecessary given the peaceful nature of their visit.


The party claimed the heavy security presence created the impression of intimidation and suggested that the authorities were reacting to the mere presence of opposition figures at the commission.


ADC said its delegation did not engage in any form of confrontation or breach of peace, insisting that the visit was strictly peaceful and aimed at assessing El-Rufai’s wellbeing.


The party also referenced an earlier formal request it said was submitted to the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, seeking visitation rights for family members, lawyers, and party officials, citing concerns about access to medical care and communication.


Reaffirming its position, the ADC stressed that El-Rufai remains entitled to constitutional rights, including dignity, fair treatment, and unrestricted access to legal and medical support, despite his ongoing interaction with the authorities.


The party warned against what it described as the “weaponisation of state institutions” against political opponents and demanded immediate access for El-Rufai’s family, legal team, and party representatives.


It also urged the ICPC to act in line with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic image must not be undermined by perceived political intimidation.


The ICPC has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Babalola Obisesan Rejects Pelumi Olajengbesi's Imposition as Accord Candidate, Threatens Legal Action

Image
 By Kehinde Awosina An aspirant of the Accord Party for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency seat, Babalola Obisesan, has rejected the emergence of Pelumi Olajengbesi as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obisesan described the process that produced Olajengbesi as undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness and transparency expected within the party. According to him, the selection process was allegedly influenced by only a few individuals, denying party members and supporters across Obokun and Oriade the opportunity to freely decide their preferred candidate through a credible democratic exercise. The Ijebu-Jesa-born politician lamented that the development violated internal democratic values and disenfranchised party loyalists who expected an open and fair process. He further alleged that the action contradicted electoral principles and civic rights, warning that he may seek legal redress to challenge the emergence of Olajengbesi as the party...
Read more

Five Months Without Salary: Obokun LG Education Board Member Resigns, Joins APC in Protest Move

Image
By Kehinde Awosina  A member of the Obokun Local Government Education Board, Engr. Philip Ayodele, has officially resigned his appointment, citing the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears running from May to September 2025. Ayodele, who hails from Ipetu-Ile Ward 02 in Obokun Local Government Area, said his decision followed prolonged neglect of his entitlements despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue through formal channels. He alleged that several letters written to the appropriate authorities on the matter were ignored without any meaningful response, describing the situation as unfair and discouraging. In a major political development, the former board member also announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Hon. Oluwole Oke, who represents the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Ayodele said his defection was driven by what he described as “neglect of rights and lack of responsiveness” from the rel...
Read more

From Seven UTME Attempts to Medical Doctor: The Inspiring Journey of OAU Graduate, Dr Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac

Image
 By Kehinde Awosina  For many students, failure in examinations often feels like the end of a dream. But for Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, every setback became another reason to keep pushing forward. The young medical doctor, who recently graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University with an M.B.Ch.B degree in Medicine and Surgery, has become a source of inspiration to many after sharing his emotional journey from repeated JAMB failures to academic success. Popularly known on campus as “Dr. Bush” and “Celebrity Teacher,” Damilola’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in his dreams. Beyond academics, he also distinguished himself as a student leader, serving as President of the Great Ife Students’ Union during the 2024/2025 academic session. He equally founded “Peak Tutors,” a tutorial platform dedicated to helping JAMB candidates and undergraduates excel academically. Originally from Ekiti State, Damilola revealed that his journey to studying Medicine was...
Read more