The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has alleged a plot by the Federal government to persecute opposition figures in the country.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP claimed that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government has concluded plans to file criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai recently defected from the ruling APC to the SDP.
The statement further alleged a plot by the ruling party to restrict El-Rufai from leaving Nigeria, stating that the move was intended to instill fear in the opposition and prevent further defections.
The statement read in part:
“The SDP has received reliable information that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is concerned about the momentum of our party
“In response, the APC has leveraged its governmental control to fabricate criminal charges against our members.
“Our sources revealed that the persecution will commence with one of our prominent leaders, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
“The government is planning to file multiple charges against him in Abuja and Kaduna imminently.
“In preparation for this, we have also learned that the federal government has instructed its agencies to prevent Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from leaving the country.”