There was mild drama at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday as former governor Nasir El-Rufai was heard discussing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for Tuesday, even as the opposition party faces warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission against proceeding with the exercise. El-Rufai, who arrived at the court around 9am adorned in a white babban riga outfit and an ash-coloured cap, was seen briefly chatting with a loyalist, asking: “So tomorrow is the convention, right?” The loyalist responded, “God’s willing,” prompting a smile from the former governor before he walked into the courtroom alongside one of his wives.
El-Rufai was dragged to the state high court alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. The charges, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are separate from those before the Federal High Court, where a bail hearing application is scheduled for Tuesday. Security was tight at the court premises and on roads leading to the court, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case.
The ADC has described El-Rufai’s trial as a witch-hunt, accusing the Federal Government of targeting opposition leaders. The party has vowed to go ahead with its national convention despite INEC’s warning, setting up a potential clash with the electoral commission over the legitimacy of its leadership structures. El-Rufai, who joined the ADC after falling out with the ruling All Progressives Congress, has become a prominent figure in the opposition, and his legal troubles are widely seen as having political dimensions.
The convention’s outcome could determine the ADC’s ability to field candidates in future elections and influence the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s legal battles across multiple courts continue to unfold, with significant implications for his political future and the broader opposition movement.
