The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following his arrival from Cairo, Egypt on Thursday.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the incident as troubling and inconsistent with established legal procedures, warning that such actions could undermine constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.
The ADC said the reported move raised serious concerns about due process and the political neutrality expected of security and law-enforcement agencies. It cautioned that actions perceived as politically motivated risk eroding public trust in democratic institutions and weakening confidence in the rule of law.
The party alleged the development reflected a growing pattern of selective pressure targeting opposition figures nationwide and criticised what it termed a double standard in the anti-corruption campaign. While stressing that no individual is above the law, it insisted the law must never be used as a political weapon.
“Reports indicate that security operatives lay in wait for Malam 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, raising significant legal and constitutional concerns,” the statement said, adding that if confirmed, the situation would signal that due process was being treated as optional.
ADC maintained that selective accountability damages the moral authority of government and erodes faith in justice. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, but rejected what it called the targeting of opposition leaders.
“Accountability must be evenly handed, due process must be visible and justice must never wear partisan colours. Government must understand that democracy’s strength is measured not by how it treats allies but how it treats critics,” the statement added.
The party urged security agencies to remain mindful of their constitutional responsibilities and said it would continue monitoring developments, stressing that political competition in Nigeria should be decided through persuasion and the ballot, not selective law enforcement.
Elijah Adeyemi
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