African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu has defended former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s inclusion in the party’s presidential campaign council, calling him a 'prisoner of conscience' despite his detention. El-Rufai was named Deputy Chairman of the council on October 26, sparking questions about his role in the opposition party’s campaign structure. Momodu, speaking on Channels Television’s Breakfast programme, argued that the appointment recognized El-Rufai’s 'political sacrifice,' citing his detention as politically motivated. 'It is a way of honouring his sacrifice because his travails, I can say, are quite political in nature,' Momodu stated, emphasizing that the former governor's 'predicament should be viewed against his previous political contributions.'
Momodu contended that El-Rufai’s detention occurred despite his role in facilitating the current administration’s rise to power. 'He is in the hands of a government that he helped to midwife,' he said, noting that El-Rufai chose to return to Nigeria knowing he risked arrest. The ADC leader also highlighted El-Rufai’s continued influence in Northern Nigeria, describing him as 'one of the most formidable political figures from Northern Nigeria, especially the Northwest.' He dismissed concerns about El-Rufai’s inclusion being a liability, pointing to his prior support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 campaign. 'Every presidential candidate wants to win in the Northwest,' Momodu argued, stressing the region’s electoral significance. 'The majority of the votes will come from that direction,' he added, justifying the appointment as a symbolic gesture to 'dignify the man with an appointment.'
The ADC’s decision to name El-Rufai Deputy Chairman of the campaign council has drawn scrutiny, particularly amid ongoing legal battles over his detention. A court is set to rule on his 'no-case submission' related to alleged wiretapping charges, according to the source article. Meanwhile, the party has warned of a 'dangerous precedent' following President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s absence from recent events. Momodu’s remarks underscore the complex interplay between political loyalty, legal challenges, and regional dynamics in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. His defense of El-Rufai reflects broader tensions within the opposition, as the ADC navigates alliances and internal debates over strategy.
The inclusion of a detained figure in a campaign leadership role raises questions about the party’s priorities and the legal risks involved. While Momodu framed El-Rufai’s appointment as a recognition of his political legacy, critics may view it as a strategic move to leverage his regional influence. The ADC’s approach highlights the challenges of balancing ideological principles with pragmatic considerations in a highly polarized political environment. As the 2023 election cycle progresses, the party’s handling of such controversies will likely shape its credibility and appeal among voters.