ADC condemns alleged attempt to arrest El-Rufai at airport
ADC Condemns Alleged Arrest Attempt of Former Governor El-Rufai
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized an alleged attempt by security personnel to arrest former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.
In a statement released Friday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi expressed concern over what the party described as a troubling incident that deviates from established legal processes. The party warned that such actions could undermine constitutional protections and democratic accountability.
The ADC raised alarms regarding the implications for due process and the required political neutrality expected from security and law enforcement agencies. The statement highlighted that actions perceived as politically motivated risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the ADC characterized the incident as part of a disturbing trend of selective pressure targeting opposition figures nationwide. The party also criticized what it viewed as double standards in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
While affirming that no individual is above the law, the ADC emphasized that legal mechanisms should not be weaponized against political adversaries.
“Reports indicate that security operatives awaited Malam El-Rufai at the airport with the apparent intent to arrest him. However, no warrant was presented during the attempted action, raising significant legal and constitutional concerns,” the statement noted. “If confirmed, this is not merely a procedural lapse but a troubling indication that due process is treated as optional.”
The ADC asserted that selective accountability damages public trust and the legitimacy of government. The party reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law while rejecting the targeted harassment of opposition leaders.
“Accountability must be applied evenly, due process must be observable, and justice should not have a partisan hue,” the statement read. The ADC urged government officials to recognize that the strength of a democracy is reflected in how it treats dissenters as well as allies.
The party called on security and law enforcement agencies to adhere to their constitutional responsibilities and pledged to monitor developments closely, promising to respond to any threats against democratic norms.
“Political competition in Nigeria should be resolved through persuasion and the ballot, not through selective enforcement of the law,” the ADC emphasized.
