ADC Accuses Tinubu Government Over El-Rufai Doctor’s Arrest
Fresh political tensions have emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Tinubu administration of political persecution following the arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s personal physician and the alleged assault of his wife.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) prevented El-Rufai from receiving medical treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, despite recommendations that he be admitted for care.
According to the opposition party, El-Rufai’s wife and personal physician protested the decision to return the former governor to custody, leading to a confrontation during which his wife was allegedly assaulted while his doctor, Professor Bello Abubakar, was arrested.
The ADC described the incident as a violation of El-Rufai’s constitutional rights, accusing the Federal Government of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents. The party also claimed that El-Rufai had been denied access to his family and personal physician despite court orders granting unrestricted access to his lawyers, doctor, and relatives.
The party called on the ICPC to explain the legal basis for the alleged restrictions and demanded immediate access for El-Rufai to his family, legal team, and medical practitioners. It also urged a review of his bail conditions, improved detention conditions, full compliance with constitutional and international standards governing detainees, and an end to what it described as politically motivated intimidation.
However, the ICPC defended its actions, confirming the arrest of Professor Bello Abubakar. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, the commission said the doctor was arrested for allegedly abusing privileges granted during El-Rufai’s detention and for violating a court order. The anti-graft agency maintained that its actions were carried out in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, one of El-Rufai’s wives, Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to ensure her husband receives fair treatment and reasonable bail conditions.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja alongside El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, Asiya said the family was not asking the President to interfere with the judicial process but to guarantee the former governor’s constitutional rights, including access to medical care, family members, lawyers, and bail on reasonable terms.
“My husband stood by your side and worked for your victory in the 2023 elections. Is this what our family deserves?” she said, adding that El-Rufai has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels but has allegedly been denied adequate medical attention.
She stressed that the family only wants the courts to determine El-Rufai’s guilt or innocence while ensuring that his fundamental human rights are respected throughout the legal process.
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