The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate release or arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said El-Rufai has been held for over 30 days without formal charges, access to his family, or adequate medical care. The ADC argued that such treatment undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles and the rule of law.
According to the party, El-Rufai initially honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he has remained in detention.
The ADC further alleged that El-Rufai was pressured to abandon his political rights and affiliations in exchange for his freedom, describing such actions as coercive and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees. It stressed that the right to liberty, fair hearing, and political participation are non-negotiable under Nigerian law.
The party criticised what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation and unlawful detention, warning that such practices erode public trust in democratic institutions. It urged relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and leadership of the ICPC, to act in accordance with the Constitution.
Reaffirming the role of anti-corruption agencies, the ADC stated that institutions like the ICPC were established to investigate and prosecute corruption—not to serve as tools for political suppression.
The statement also referenced Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, warning against a return to practices reminiscent of the National Democratic Coalition era, when civil liberties were heavily contested.
The party concluded by insisting that El-Rufai must either be formally charged in a court of competent jurisdiction or released immediately, maintaining that anything short of this would amount to a breach of the law.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai remains under investigation by multiple agencies over allegations including financial misconduct and cybercrime-related offences, with authorities yet to provide clarity on the timeline for his arraignment.
