By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
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, warning that the development signals a growing pattern of political intimidation.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over reports that security personnel allegedly moved to detain El-Rufai without presenting a warrant.
The ADC said while it does not consider anyone above the law, any action taken against a political figure must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and due process.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the party, if confirmed, such a move would represent more than a procedural lapse, describing it as a “dangerous signal” that due process could be sidelined when opposition figures are involved.
The ADC further alleged that the incident reflects a troubling pattern of selective enforcement under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that opposition politicians are increasingly subjected to pressure and heightened scrutiny.
The party also decried what it termed a double standard in the anti-corruption fight, claiming that politically exposed persons facing allegations are often welcomed into the ruling party, while critics of the government face aggressive pursuit.
“To many Nigerians, it increasingly appears that once you cross into the ruling party, past sins are quietly swept away,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, the ADC insisted that justice must not be applied selectively or used as a political tool.
“Accountability must be even-handed, due process must be visible, and justice must never wear partisan colors,” Abdullahi stated.
The party called on security and law enforcement agencies to remain professional and uphold constitutional standards, urging them to ensure that the coercive powers of the state are not deployed — or perceived to be deployed — for partisan purposes.
It warned that Nigeria’s democracy should not be undermined by what it described as the normalization of political intimidation, stressing that political competition must be resolved through persuasion and the ballot box.
