By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that he will be present at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention “in spirit,” following the adjournment of his bail hearing.
El-Rufai made the remark earlier today as he was leaving the State High Court, where his application for bail was postponed until tomorrow, April 14, 2026. When asked by a journalist whether he would attend the party’s convention, scheduled for the same day, he replied: “I will be there in spirit.”
The comment was met with excitement from his loyalists, who interpreted it as a hopeful sign that he may yet appear at the convention—should the court grant him bail tomorrow.
The former governor has been in detention since February 16, 2026, after voluntarily presenting himself for questioning in response to a notice from authorities. His legal team is seeking his release ahead of the ADC’s national convention, a key event for the opposition coalition.
Supporters of the ADC and many Nigerians are pinning their hopes on tomorrow’s court decision, believing that El-Rufai embodies the very spirit of the party. His presence, they argue—whether physical or symbolic—could energise the convention and shape the party’s direction going forward.
The adjourned bail hearing and the ADC convention are now set to unfold on the same day, drawing intense national attention.
