The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over the continued detention of Nasir el-Rufai, warning it may escalate the matter to international human rights bodies, including Amnesty International.
The party described the situation as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that keeping the former Kaduna governor in custody without formal charges is both unlawful and unacceptable.
El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has remained in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, shortly after being released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a strongly worded statement issued by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the development, describing it as “illegal and unconstitutional,” while alleging attempts to pressure el-Rufai into abandoning his political stance.
The party demanded his immediate release or arraignment, warning that failure to act would trigger petitions to global watchdogs.
“The African Democratic Congress declares that the continued violation of the fundamental rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is a stain on the conscience of our democracy and a dangerous descent into lawlessness by the Bola Tinubu-led government,” the statement reads.
“Thirty-two days ago, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, honoured an invitation by the EFCC in good faith, an act that should define a law-abiding citizen in a democratic society. Two days after his release, he was taken again, this time by the ICPC.
“Today, more than 30 days later, he remains in custody without arraignment, without formal charges, and under conditions that, by his own account include, restrictions from his family members and doctor; and coercion to abandon his political rights and associations as the price for his freedom.”
“Let us be clear, this is not law enforcement. This is the weaponisation of state institutions against political participation. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is an affront to the very idea of Nigeria as a democratic country.”
The ADC further argued that the continued detention violates constitutionally guaranteed rights, stressing that liberty and fair hearing cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
“Freedom is not a privilege that is granted at the pleasure of the executive branch,” the statement reads.
“It is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution. The right to liberty. The right to fair hearing. The right to political participation. These are not negotiable. They are not conditional.
“And they are not to be negotiated in dark rooms under threat by agencies that report to President Tinubu and his appointees.
“We must speak plainly, a government that detains without charge, intimidates without evidence, and demands silence in exchange for freedom is not acting like a democratic government, it is behaving like something else entirely.”
Reiterating its stance, the party issued a final demand:
“We demand the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, or his immediate arraignment in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement added.
