El-Rufai reacts to police invitation over alleged conspiracy, public disturbance
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has reacted sharply after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) directed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman in Kaduna State to produce him and six other party members at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8.
El-Rufai condemned vehemently the statement of the police describing it as an embrace of lawlessness.
Earlier, the police had issued the order following allegations that El-Rufai and the others were involved in inciting the public.
In a letter dated September 4 and addressed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman in Kaduna, the police also listed six other party members: Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed, Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini.
The police directive read in part:
“This department is currently investigating the above-mentioned case involving the following members of your party,” the letter said. “You are requested to come along with them to SCID to clarify allegations reported against them by the complainants on 8th September, 2025.”
The development follows violence at the ADC transition committee inauguration in Kaduna last Saturday, when suspected thugs armed with cutlasses, clubs and stones attacked participants, injuring several and damaging vehicles.
Police later sealed the ADC secretariat, with command spokesperson Mansir Hassan saying the event was held without “prior notification” to security agencies despite “repeated warnings.”
Afterwards, the ADC accused the Kaduna police of attempting to criminalise opposition politics.
However, in a swift reaction, the former Governor accused the security agency of obstructing legitimate political activities and undermining due process.
The former governor alleged that security operatives had earlier disrupted a planned meeting of his group, citing a court injunction that was never formally served. He insisted that no lawful order exists against him or his associates that could justify such actions.
“Even if such an order exists, it must be legally delivered before it can take effect. That has not happened,” El-Rufai was quoted as saying.
The incident comes amid heightened political tension in Kaduna State, where opposition figures have accused the authorities of using security agencies to stifle dissent and intimidate rivals.
El-Rufai, a key figure in northern politics and former governor known for his outspoken views, has remained active in political debates despite his exit from office in 2023.
Analysts note that the police summons could further fuel divisions, especially within the ADC, where El-Rufai and his allies are seen as major power brokers.
