The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience.”
The demand formed part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections and approved major organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and called for his freedom.
“The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated.
The resolution is likely to heighten political debate over El-Rufai’s situation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his recent association with opposition political forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
A prisoner of conscience is someone detained or punished for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression, without having used or promoted violence.
Beyond the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the party’s highest decision-making organ outside its national convention also moved to strengthen its internal structures as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.
