A quiet but noticeable moment unfolded at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday when Nasir El-Rufai was overheard talking about the upcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress set for Tuesday.
The opposition party has made it clear it will go ahead with the convention despite warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission advising against it.
El Rufai arrived at the court around 9 in the morning, dressed in a white babbanriga and an ash colored cap. As he walked in with his lawyers, holding a white document and reading from it, he briefly spoke with a loyal supporter.
He asked if the convention would still happen the next day, and the supporter replied that it would happen if God allows. El Rufai smiled after the exchange and continued into the courtroom, accompanied by one of his wives.
Security around the court was very tight, with strong presence both inside the premises and along nearby roads.
According to reports, El Rufai is facing trial at the State High Court alongside Amadu Sule. The case involves allegations such as abuse of office, fraud, intention to commit fraud, and granting unfair advantage.
These charges were filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and are separate from another case at the Federal High Court. A bail hearing in that case is expected to take place on Tuesday in Kaduna.
The African Democratic Congress has strongly defended El Rufai, calling the trial a witch hunt and accusing the Federal Government of targeting opposition figures.
