El-Rufai's Court Appearance Features Discussion on ADC National Convention

There was a notable moment at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday when former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was overheard conversing about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention scheduled for the following day. This event is set to proceed despite a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) advising against it.

Upon his arrival at the court premises around 9 a.m., El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the ADC, engaged in a brief conversation with one of his associates. Clad in a white babbanriga attire and an ash-coloured cap, the former governor entered the courtroom accompanied by his legal team, holding a document in his hand.

"So tomorrow is the Convention, right?" he inquired, to which his associate responded, "God’s willing."

Following this exchange, El-Rufai offered a smile before proceeding into the courtroom with one of his wives.

Security measures were visibly heightened at the court complex and the surrounding access roads.

Sources indicate that the former governor, along with Amadu Sule, has been summoned to the State High Court to face charges including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage. These charges, brought forth by the ICPC, are distinct from those being handled by the Federal High Court, where a bail hearing application is slated for Tuesday in Kaduna.

The ADC has characterized El-Rufai's legal proceedings as a politically motivated witch-hunt, asserting that the Federal Government is targeting opposition leaders.