ADC slams alleged bid to arrest El-Rufai, alleges opposition intimidation

 

The African Democratic Congress has condemned the alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at an airport, describing the move as a threat to due process and a sign of growing political intimidation.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the reported action, allegedly carried out without the presentation of a warrant, raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.

The party stressed that while no citizen is above the law, law enforcement must not be used as a political weapon against opposition figures.

According to the ADC, the development appears consistent with what it called a troubling pattern of selective pressure on opposition leaders under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“The ADC strongly condemns the attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the airport under circumstances that raise serious constitutional and democratic concerns,” the statement said.

The party noted that reports indicated operatives were positioned to arrest El-Rufai but allegedly failed to present an arrest warrant at the time of the incident, describing such action as not just a procedural lapse but a dangerous signal that due process could be ignored when dealing with opposition figures.

It also accused the ruling party of double standards in its anti-corruption posture, alleging that politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations are often received into the ruling party, while critics and opposition actors are subjected to intense scrutiny and enforcement actions.

“To many Nigerians, it increasingly appears that once you cross into the ruling party, past sins are quietly swept away. This is precisely the kind of selective accountability that erodes faith in the rule of law,” the party stated.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, but warned that it would resist what it described as selective targeting, harassment and intimidation of opposition leaders.

It called on security and law enforcement agencies to remain professional and constitutionally guided in the discharge of their duties, urging them to avoid actions that could be perceived as partisan.

The party added that it would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to defend democratic norms, insisting that political contests must be decided through persuasion and the ballot box, not through coercive state power.