The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of denying its leaders access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the commission’s custody.

The party made the allegation in a statement issued on Friday after a delegation of senior ADC officials was reportedly prevented from visiting the former governor at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation included:

• ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
• National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi
• Secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Mallam Salihu Lukman

According to the party, prior communication had already been made with the ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, requesting visitation rights amid concerns raised by El-Rufai’s family over alleged restrictions on access to doctors and food.

ADC Alleges Intimidation

The ADC claimed the atmosphere at the ICPC headquarters became tense during the attempted visit after several truckloads of armed police officers reportedly arrived at the premises.

The party described the deployment as excessive and unnecessary, arguing that its officials were peaceful and unarmed.

“Such actions only reinforce growing public concern that state institutions are increasingly being used, not merely for law enforcement, but as instruments of political pressure and psychological intimidation against dissenting voices,” the statement read.

Concerns Over El-Rufai’s Welfare

The ADC also referenced earlier allegations made by El-Rufai’s wife, Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, who reportedly claimed that her husband had been denied access to his doctor and that food brought to him was rejected by officials.

The party said the continued refusal to grant access to political associates deepens public suspicion surrounding the former governor’s detention.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is not a fugitive. He voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities,” the statement added.

The ADC insisted that the former governor is entitled to dignity, medical care, family access, and fair treatment under the Nigerian Constitution.

Demand For Immediate Access

The opposition party warned that it would not remain silent while one of its leaders was allegedly subjected to harassment and political persecution.

It called on the ICPC to immediately allow unrestricted access to El-Rufai by:

• Family members
• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Political associates

The ICPC had earlier denied allegations that El-Rufai was being denied proper access or medical attention.

As of the time of filing this report, the commission had not issued a fresh response to the ADC’s latest claims.