TDFormer Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has reportedly written an urgent letter from detention to the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
El-Rufai expressed deep concerns over what he described as his exclusion from key party decisions.
He warned of growing divisions within the party’s Kaduna State chapter.
The two-page handwritten letter, dated May 20, 2026, and marked “ICPC Detention Day 94,” was addressed to ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Copies were also sent to other party officials and stakeholders, including the Kaduna State chairman and all governorship aspirants in the state.
In the letter, El-Rufai claimed that despite his role in building the opposition coalition and strengthening the ADC in Kaduna State, his detention had resulted in his being sidelined from consultations and major decisions affecting the party.
He expressed concern over the composition of the party’s Electoral Committee in Kaduna.
He alleged that it included individuals loyal to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and representatives aligned with one of the governorship aspirants.
According to him, the current arrangement could undermine confidence in the electoral process and lead to disputes over its outcome.
“I am disappointed that in spite of my role in the coalition and efforts to build the party in Kaduna and ensure a level-playing field for all, my detention has led to my exclusion from all matters of Kaduna State and North-West that I am one of the leaders,” El-Rufai wrote.
He further lamented what he described as the absence of consultation by the party leadership.
He stated that decisions were being taken and committees formed without involving him despite his leadership role.
To address the situation, El-Rufai proposed the dissolution of the existing Electoral Committee and recommended the formation of a new committee with equal representation from all five governorship aspirants, Senator Lawal Usman, Senator Khalid, and other relevant stakeholders.
He also suggested that Dr. Auwalu Anwar of Kano State should chair the committee.
According to the former governor, such an arrangement would not only promote fairness but also ensure that the eventual outcome would be accepted by all aspirants, including himself.
He warned that Kaduna’s political environment differs significantly from neighbouring states where, according to him, imposed candidates are more readily accepted.
“Kaduna State differs greatly from Sokoto, Kebbi or Zamfara where impositions are accepted.
“Our political culture rejects imposition,” he stated.
El-Rufai urged the national leadership of the ADC to urgently implement his recommendations to prevent internal conflict and preserve party unity ahead of future elections.
He concluded by reiterating that his interest was not personal ambition but ensuring the ADC captures Kaduna State.
However, he cautioned that if the unity he had worked to build was allowed to collapse, he would “seal my lips and say no more.”
The authenticity of the letter and the circumstances surrounding its circulation had not been independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The ADC leadership has also not publicly responded to the contents of the document.
