ADC condemns El-Rufai’s prolonged detention...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing it as a serious violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement, the party said El-Rufai, who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for over 30 days, is being held illegally and without due process.

It called for his immediate release or arraignment in court.

The ADC alleged that the detention was aimed at coercing the former governor into abandoning his political activities, insisting that such actions undermine democratic principles.

“The African Democratic Congress declares that the continued violation of the fundamental rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is a stain on the conscience of our democracy and a dangerous descent into lawlessness by the Bola Tinubu-led government,” the statement read.

According to the party, El-Rufai initially honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before later being taken into custody by the ICPC, where he has remained without formal charges.

“Today, more than 30 days later, he remains in custody without arraignment, without formal charges, and under conditions that, by his own account include, restrictions from his family members and doctor; and coercion to abandon his political rights and associations as the price for his freedom,” the statement added.

CBI News reports that the ADC described the situation as “the weaponisation of state institutions against political participation,” stressing that such conduct is unconstitutional and contrary to democratic norms.

“Freedom is not a privilege that is granted at the pleasure of the executive branch. It is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution… These are not negotiable. They are not conditional,” the party stated.

The party warned that prolonged detention without trial reflects authoritarian tendencies, adding: “A government that detains without charge, intimidates without evidence, and demands silence in exchange for freedom is not acting like a democratic government.”

The ADC also called on key government officials, including the National Security Adviser, to ensure compliance with the Constitution, while urging the ICPC to operate within its mandate.

It further threatened to petition international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, if El-Rufai is not released promptly.

“We demand the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, or his immediate arraignment in a court of competent jurisdiction. Nothing more. Nothing less. That is the law,” the statement concluded.