ADC condemns alleged attempt to arrest El-Rufai at airport

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.

This is contained in a statement issued by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday in Abuja.

The party described the incident as troubling and inconsistent with established legal procedures, warning that such actions undermined constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability standards.

According to ADC, the move raises serious concerns about due process and the political neutrality expected of security and law enforcement agencies.

It warned that actions perceived as politically motivated could undermine public trust in democratic institutions and weaken confidence in the rule of law.

ADC said the incident reflected a troubling and growing pattern of selective pressure allegedly targeting opposition figures across the country.

It also decried what he described as a double standard in the ongoing anti-corruption fight.

While maintaining that no individual was above the law, it stressed that the law must never be weaponised against political opponents.

“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

“If confirmed, this represents not merely a procedural lapse but a dangerous signal that due process is treated as optional,” the party added.

According to ADC, such selective accountability erodes faith in the rule of law and damages the moral authority of government.

The statement said that while ADC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law, it rejected the selective 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,” it stated.

The party therefore called on security and law enforcement agencies to remain mindful of their professional constitutional duties.

ADC said it would continue to monitor developments closely and would not hesitate to act wherever democratic norms were threatened.

“Political competition in Nigeria must be settled through persuasion and the ballot, not through selective law enforcement,” it emphasised.

Vanguard News

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