The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the attempted arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing the development as a disturbing sign of increasing political intimidation and a threat to democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party cautioned that such actions, if not properly addressed, could heighten political tension and erode public confidence in constitutional governance and the rule of law.
Tension reportedly flared at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday following what witnesses described as a failed attempt by security operatives to detain El-Rufai. Eyewitness accounts indicated that shortly after his arrival, armed personnel approached the former governor and allegedly attempted to escort him away.
Responding to the incident, the ADC accused authorities of selective enforcement in the ongoing anti-corruption drive, alleging that opposition figures are being targeted while politically exposed individuals who align with the ruling party are treated differently.
The party stated: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the attempt by security operatives to arrest the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, at the airport under circumstances that raise serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
“While the ADC maintains its position that no individual is above the law, we state without equivocation that the law must never be weaponised against political opponents. What Nigerians are witnessing is increasingly difficult to separate from a broader and troubling pattern of pressure and selective enforcement directed at opposition voices under the watch of the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Reports indicate that security operatives lay in wait for Mallam El-Rufai at the airport with the apparent intention to effect an arrest, yet no warrant was presented at the time of the attempted action. If confirmed, this represents not merely a procedural lapse but a dangerous signal that due process is being treated as optional when opposition figures are involved.
“Even more concerning is the widening perception that while opposition leaders are aggressively pursued, individuals with pending corruption allegations are welcomed into the APC with pomp and pageantry. To many Nigerians, it increasingly appears that once you cross into the ruling party, past sins are quietly swept away.”
The ADC argued that what it termed selective accountability weakens public trust in the justice system and undermines the government’s moral authority.
The statement continued: “While the African Democratic Congress reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, we will not accept selective targeting, intimidation, or harassment of leaders simply because they hold opposing political views. Accountability must be even-handed, due process must be visible, and justice must never wear partisan colours.
“The APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must understand that the strength of a democracy is measured not by how it treats its allies, but by how it treats its critics. Nigeria has come too far, and sacrificed too much, to permit any slide toward the normalization of political intimidation.
“We therefore call on all security and law enforcement agencies to remain conscious of their professional and constitutional responsibilities. Nigerians deserve clear assurances that the coercive powers of the state will not be deployed, or perceived to be deployed, for partisan ends.
“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 the shadow of selective law enforcement.”
The development adds to growing political tension as the country approaches another electoral cycle.
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