Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he will attend the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) “in spirit” as he continues to face trial.

El-Rufai made the remark on Monday while leaving the Kaduna State High Court, where he is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on a nine-count charge.

The former governor, who has reportedly been in detention for over a month, arrived at the court around 9:00 a.m. and was seen briefly speaking with a loyalist about the ADC convention scheduled to hold in Abuja.

After about four hours of proceedings, he exited the courtroom alongside his legal team. Responding to questions from journalists about his participation in the convention, he said, “I will attend, but in spirit.”

El-Rufai was subsequently escorted from the court premises in a Hilux vehicle under heavy security, with armed police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) deployed within and around the venue.

He is standing trial alongside Amadu Sule on charges bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.