Reported by: Ijeoma .G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of intimidation following an incident in which its delegation, led by former Osun State Governor and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was reportedly denied access to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The party raised the allegation on Thursday, May 22, 2026, describing the development as a politically sensitive encounter that it claims raises concerns about the conduct of security and anti-corruption agencies in relation to political figures.
According to statements attributed to ADC officials, Aregbesola and other party leaders had visited an ICPC facility in Abuja where El-Rufai was reportedly present for official engagement with investigators. The ADC, however, alleged that its delegation was prevented from meeting the former governor despite what it described as prior arrangements.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and ex-governor of Kaduna State, has recently been the subject of heightened public and institutional attention following his involvement in political activities and ongoing national discourse around governance and accountability.
The ICPC, in its response issued through official channels on the same day, May 22, 2026, denied allegations that it acted in a politically motivated manner or deliberately restricted access to any individual for partisan reasons.
The commission clarified that its operations are strictly guided by legal procedures and investigative protocols, emphasizing that access to individuals under inquiry or official engagement is regulated and cannot be granted based on political affiliation or external requests.
ICPC officials further stated that any engagement involving persons of interest must follow due process to maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations and protect the confidentiality of institutional procedures.
The ADC, however, maintained its position, arguing that the incident reflected what it described as growing concerns about the neutrality of some federal agencies in handling politically exposed persons.
Party spokespersons, including senior ADC figures accompanying Aregbesola, alleged that the incident occurred in a manner that they considered unnecessary and avoidable, insisting that it amounted to undue restriction of lawful political association and engagement.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, a prominent political figure and former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has in recent years aligned himself with opposition political movements and has been active in coalition-building efforts involving smaller parties including the ADC.
Nasir El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC and former Kaduna governor, has also remained a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, often commenting on national governance issues and internal party dynamics.
The alleged incident has sparked political reactions across party lines, with some opposition stakeholders calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the ICPC’s actions, while supporters of the anti-corruption agency insist that due process must not be compromised.
As of Friday, May 23, 2026, the ICPC had not issued any additional statement beyond its initial denial, and no official complaint had been confirmed as filed in court by the ADC or its leaders regarding the matter.
The development adds to ongoing political tensions within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape ahead of future electoral cycles, where alliances, defections, and institutional interactions continue to shape national discourse.
Security and anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria are generally empowered under law to regulate access to individuals under investigation or official questioning, particularly where disclosure or interference could affect investigative integrity.
Further clarification is expected if either party escalates the matter through formal legal or administrative channels.
๐ฉ Stone Reporters News | ๐ stonereportersnews.com
โ๏ธ info@stonereportersnews.com | ๐ Facebook: Stone Reporters News | ๐ฆ X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | ๐ธ Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments