The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned what it described as an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
El-Rufai was reportedly intercepted on Thursday upon his arrival in Abuja from Cairo, Egypt. The ADC described the development as troubling and inconsistent with established legal procedures, raising concerns about due process and the conduct of security agencies.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over what it termed a disregard for constitutional safeguards. The ADC argued that actions perceived to be politically motivated risk eroding public trust in democratic institutions and undermining the rule of law.
According to the party, reports indicated that security operatives were present at the airport with the apparent intention of effecting an arrest. However, it was alleged that no arrest warrant was presented at the time, raising significant legal and constitutional questions.
The ADC maintained that if the incident occurred as reported, it would represent more than a procedural oversight. The party said it would signal a worrying trend in which due process is treated as optional rather than fundamental to democratic governance.
While reaffirming its commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption, the ADC stressed that no individual is above the law. However, it warned that the law must never be used selectively or as a political tool against opposition figures. The party cautioned that perceived double standards in the application of justice could weaken confidence in anti-corruption efforts and damage the moral authority of government institutions.
The statement further alleged that the incident reflects a broader and growing pattern of pressure targeting opposition leaders across the country. It emphasized that democracy thrives on fairness, transparency, and equal treatment under the law, regardless of political affiliation.
The ADC urged security and law enforcement agencies to remain mindful of their constitutional responsibilities and professional obligations. It called on authorities to ensure that any investigative or enforcement actions strictly adhere to due process and established legal standards.
The party also underscored the importance of political neutrality among security agencies, noting that democracy’s strength is measured not by how the government treats its allies, but by how it treats its critics.
Reiterating its stance, the ADC said it would continue to monitor developments closely and would not hesitate to take appropriate steps to defend democratic norms if necessary. It concluded by stressing that political competition in Nigeria must be resolved through dialogue, persuasion, and the ballot box—not through actions that could be interpreted as selective law enforcement.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the alleged incident.
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