The African Democratic Congress has condemned what it described as an attempted arrest of its member and former Nasir El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, reportedly carried out without presentation of a warrant.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC raised concerns over due process, rule of law, and political neutrality under the current administration.
ADC Warns Against Weaponising Legal Processes
While acknowledging that no individual is above the law, the ADC emphasized that legal procedures must not be used as tools against political opponents.
The party noted reports suggesting that security operatives allegedly waited at the airport to arrest El-Rufai but did not present a warrant, which the ADC said would represent a serious disregard for constitutional safeguards if confirmed.
Alleged Double Standards in Anti-Corruption Enforcement
The ADC criticized what it called selective pressure on opposition figures, contrasting the treatment of politically exposed persons in the ruling All Progressives Congress with critics of the government.
“It increasingly appears that once you cross into the ruling party, past sins are quietly swept away,” the statement said, warning that such double standards undermine public trust and weaken government credibility.
Call for Professionalism and Rule of Law
The party urged security and law enforcement agencies to act professionally and within constitutional boundaries, ensuring that state powers are not deployed for partisan purposes.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, the ADC stressed that political competition in Nigeria must be settled through persuasion and democratic elections—not intimidation or coercion.
Safeguarding Democracy and Due Process
The incident, according to the ADC, highlights the need for strict adherence to due process, impartial enforcement of laws, and protection of opposition rights.
The party’s statement underscores ongoing concerns about political fairness, selective accountability, constitutional compliance, governance integrity, civil liberties, legal oversight, judicial independence, electoral competition, state coercion, and public confidence in democratic institutions.
ADC called on the government to respect the law, preserve political neutrality, and ensure that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are treated fairly under Nigeria’s legal system.