A member of the National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress, Oladimeji Fabiyi, has slammed the Federal Government for its alleged vindictive actions in keeping the former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in custody.

Fabiyi, who is the Deputy National Financial Secretary of the ADC, in a statement on Thursday, said that the presidency was acting out of fear by keeping el-Rufai in custody.

He noted that while there are many members of the ruling All Progressives Congress with corruption allegations hanging over them, the Federal Government has narrowed its searchlight on opposition political leaders

The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu appears to have recognized the depth and strength of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s influence and political standing.

“This realization seems to have prompted the unleashing of Nigeria’s three major anti-graft and security agencies—EFCC, DSS, and ICPC—against him in what looks like a coordinated onslaught. The Presidency seems deeply uncomfortable, worried, and disturbed by the prospect that it may be difficult to secure a conviction against El-Rufai.

“It is deeply worrisome to witness the extent to which the Presidency is willing to go in persecuting prominent opposition leaders.”

Fabiyi further said, “As things stand today, El-Rufai has effectively become a political prisoner of war. This pattern of action speaks volumes about the kind of country we are becoming.

“The memory is still fresh of how Adams Oshiomhole publicly declared that once anyone joins the ruling APC—no matter how heavily corruption allegations hang over their head—all their past sins are instantly forgiven.

“Yet the same government that shamelessly welcomed and flaunted alleged corrupt politicians into its fold is now aggressively pursuing members of the opposition. All sense of decorum, responsibility, and morality appears to have been sacrificed on the altar of politics.”

Recall that El-Rufai, who honoured the invitation of the EFCC on February 16, 2025, has been in custody since then.

The anti-graft agency had granted him bail last week, but he was immediately arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Department of State Services, which filed criminal charges against him over allegations of tapping the telephone of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, failed to arraign the former governor in court.

The secret police had said the ICPC was still drilling the former governor, forcing the judge to adjourn the matter till April 23. (The PUNCH)

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