Nasir El-Rufai ICPC Detention Allies: Abandon Him, Rejoin APC

• Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's close political allies have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while he remains in detention.
• These allies have rejoined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to support Governor Uba Sani's re-election bid.
• El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for 200 days, facing charges of alleged corrupt practices, abuse of office, and wiretapping.
• Attempts by the defecting allies to inform El-Rufai of their decision were unsuccessful due to blocked communication channels by the ICPC.
• A former commissioner and ally explicitly stated that Malam Nasir El-Rufai would never return to the All Progressives Congress.

The former governor's political isolation appears to be deepening, with a key associate explicitly stating that Malam Nasir El-Rufai would never rejoin the All Progressives Congress.

Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai is facing a significant shift in his political landscape as several close associates and allies have publicly abandoned him during his ongoing detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). These prominent figures, who previously aligned with El-Rufai, have now rejoined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a potential erosion of his political base.

The group of defectors includes Bashir Saidu, who served as El-Rufai's Chief of Staff, along with Abdu Kwari, a former commissioner and senator representing the Kaduna North senatorial district, and Jafaru Sani, another former commissioner in Kaduna State. These individuals, among others, formally departed from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where El-Rufai holds the position of Kaduna State leader, to return to the APC. Their stated intention is to lend their support to Governor Uba Sani's bid for a second term in office.

Jafaru Sani, a former ADC North West vice chairman, confirmed in an interview that the defection involved over 150,000 registered members leaving the ADC to join the APC. He also revealed that attempts to inform Malam Nasir El-Rufai of their collective decision were unsuccessful, as the ICPC had reportedly blocked all communication channels, preventing them from reaching the former governor in custody. A welcome ceremony for the returning members is scheduled for the coming week.

The political maneuvering unfolds against a backdrop of severe legal challenges confronting Malam Nasir El-Rufai. He has been held in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for 200 days, facing multiple allegations that have led to his arraignment in court. These charges underscore the legal consequences that can accompany high-profile public service in Nigeria.

El-Rufai has been arraigned before both federal and Kaduna State High Courts on charges primarily centered on alleged corrupt practices and abuse of office. In addition to these, he is also facing separate charges concerning alleged wiretapping. These particular allegations were brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, further complicating his legal standing and highlighting the breadth of the accusations he must contend with.

The defection of key allies marks a significant moment in the political career of Malam Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting a growing isolation from his former political network. The move to the All Progressives Congress by his erstwhile supporters, coupled with their explicit commitment to Governor Uba Sani, highlights a clear realignment of political forces within Kaduna State. This development is particularly poignant given that El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani had reportedly parted ways approximately one year after the 2023 elections.

Further emphasizing this political chasm, Jafaru Sani, one of the defecting former commissioners, unequivocally stated that Malam Nasir El-Rufai would never return to the All Progressives Congress. This declaration underscores the finality of the split and the perceived irreconcilability of their political paths. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its 2027 governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isah Ashiru, acknowledged the right of individuals to move between political parties, with his spokesman Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi noting that 'politics is about interest,' a sentiment that perhaps encapsulates the motivations behind the recent defections.

This unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences and potential political isolation that can accompany high-profile corruption and abuse of office charges in Nigeria. The actions taken by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission against Malam Nasir El-Rufai demonstrate a commitment to accountability, even for former state governors. The inability of his allies to communicate with him due to ICPC restrictions further illustrates the gravity of his detention and the legal process.

For legal professionals advising clients in public office, the ongoing proceedings against El-Rufai present a compelling case study. It highlights the critical importance of adherence to legal and ethical standards, as well as the potential for significant political fallout when such standards are perceived to be breached. The swift abandonment by former allies, coupled with the explicit declaration that he will not rejoin the All Progressives Congress, underscores the precarious nature of political alliances when faced with serious legal challenges.

While primarily political, this development underscores the severe legal consequences and potential political isolation that can accompany high-profile corruption and abuse of office charges in Nigeria. Lawyers advising clients in public office should note the ongoing legal proceedings against El-Rufai as a case study in accountability and potential political fallout.

Source: Original reporting via Leadership