There was mild drama at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was overheard discussing the forthcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development comes amid rising tension within the opposition party, which has insisted on proceeding with the convention despite warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission against holding the exercise.
El-Rufai, who arrived at the court premises around 9 am, was briefly seen chatting with one of his loyalists before proceedings commenced.
Dressed in a white babbanriga and ash-coloured cap, the former governor was holding a document as he walked towards the courtroom alongside his legal team.
“So tomorrow is the Convention, right?” Daily Trust quoted El-Rufai as asking.
His loyalist reportedly responded, “God’s willing.”
El-Rufai was said to have smiled afterwards before proceeding into the courtroom in the company of one of his wives.
The ADC has maintained its stance to go ahead with its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, defying caution from INEC.
The electoral umpire had earlier warned political parties against conducting conventions that may not comply with laid-down regulations, raising concerns over possible disputes and legitimacy issues.
Despite this, the ADC leadership has vowed not to back down, setting the stage for a potential confrontation with the electoral body.
Security presence was visibly heightened at the Kaduna State High Court, with operatives deployed within and around the premises.
Major roads leading to the court were also under surveillance, as officials sought to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the proceedings.
According to reports, El-Rufai is standing trial alongside one Amadu Sule over allegations bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The charges were filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The case is separate from another matter pending before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where a bail application is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.
Reacting to the trial, the ADC described the prosecution of El-Rufai as politically motivated.
The party accused the Federal Government of orchestrating a witch-hunt against opposition figures.
Party sources insisted that the legal action against the former governor was part of a broader attempt to weaken opposition voices ahead of future political contests.