ABUJA — African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has renewed demands for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai and others he describes as political detainees.
Atiku made the call while receiving ADC leaders from Kaduna State at his Abuja residence.
He argued that no Nigerian should remain in custody simply because of political beliefs or associations.
“The federal government has no basis to continue to hold people on the grounds of their beliefs or political association,” Atiku said.
His comments come as the opposition party intensifies preparations for the 2027 election, with Kaduna emerging as one of the states central to its presidential strategy.
Atiku said he had historically enjoyed substantial political support in Kaduna and urged party leaders to protect votes during the election.
He also referred to the recent Osun governorship election, alleging that attempts to influence voters with money had failed to determine the final outcome.
Chairman of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council Kashim Imam said Kaduna currently leads the party’s nationwide membership registration.
He set a target of at least one million presidential votes from the state.
ADC governorship candidate Isah Ashiru also expressed confidence that the party could win Kaduna and secure victories for its other candidates.
As the election approaches, the detention of El Rufai and other opposition figures described by the ADC as political detainees is likely to remain part of the party’s campaign against the Tinubu administration.
