SDP Accuses APC Government of Targeting El-Rufai with Criminal Charges, Travel Restrictions

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of orchestrating a campaign of political persecution against opposition figures, particularly targeting former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP alleged that the federal government has finalized plans to file criminal charges against El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling APC to the SDP. The party further claimed that the move is part of a broader strategy to intimidate political opponents and deter future defections from the APC.

The SDP described the alleged plot as an abuse of power, stating that credible intelligence indicates that security agencies have been instructed to prevent El-Rufai from leaving Nigeria. The party expressed concerns that these actions are designed to create a climate of fear within the opposition, warning that such tactics threaten Nigeria's democracy.

According to the SDP statement:

"The SDP has received reliable information that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is alarmed by the growing influence of our party. In response, they have resorted to using state power to fabricate criminal allegations against our members.

Our sources confirm that this targeted persecution will begin with one of our prominent leaders, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The federal government has finalized plans to file multiple charges against him in Abuja and Kaduna in the coming days. Additionally, there are directives to prevent him from traveling out of the country.ÔÇØ

The SDP further alleged that this latest development underscores the ruling party's desperation to weaken the opposition and maintain its grip on power ahead of future elections. The party, however, vowed to resist any politically motivated attacks against its members and called on Nigerians to stand against oppression.

The APC-led federal government has yet to officially respond to these allegations.

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