ADC condemns alleged attempted arrest of Nasir El-Rufai, warns against political intimidation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as an attempted arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, by security operatives at an airport without the presentation of a warrant.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the incident raises serious concerns about due process and the neutrality of security agencies under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the ADC, the reported action reflects what it termed a growing pattern of selective pressure against opposition figures in the country. The party stressed that while no citizen is above the law, legal procedures must not be used as tools of political intimidation.

“Reports indicate that security operatives lay in wait for Mallam El-Rufai at the airport with the apparent intention to arrest him without presenting a warrant. If confirmed, this represents a dangerous signal that due process is being treated as optional when opposition figures are involved,” the statement read.

The ADC further criticized what it described as double standards in the fight against corruption, alleging that some politically exposed persons facing corruption allegations are welcomed into the ruling party, while critics are subjected to intense scrutiny.

The party warned that such selective accountability could undermine public confidence in the rule of law and weaken democratic institutions.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the ADC said it would not accept intimidation or harassment of political leaders based on their political affiliations. It added that democracy is measured by how a government treats its critics, not only its allies.

The party called on all security and law enforcement agencies to act professionally and within constitutional limits, urging them not to allow their powers to be perceived as instruments of partisan politics.

“The ADC will continue to monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to act wherever democratic norms are threatened. Political competition in Nigeria must be settled through persuasion and the ballot, not through selective law enforcement,” the statement concluded.