The African Democratic Congress has called for the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai or for him to be quickly charged in a proper court. The party says there should be no delay and no middle ground.
In a statement by its publicity secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned the direction of the government led by Bola Tinubu. It warned that if this is how the government acts while still seeking public support, Nigerians must think about what could happen to the rule of law and human rights if political pressure is no longer a factor.
The party described the situation as a serious setback for democracy, saying it shows a move toward lawlessness. It stressed that freedom is not something given at the will of those in power but a basic right protected by the Constitution.
The ADC also challenged the president to be clear about his stance. It said if the government plans to act as though constitutional rules do not matter, then it should openly admit it. According to the party, such a path would signal a shift away from democracy toward a system that only appears democratic on the surface.
At the same time, the party said if the president still believes in the rule of law, he must prove it through real actions. It called on all government officials involved in the matter to follow the Constitution fully. This includes the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and other relevant agencies.
The ADC pointed out what it sees as a contradiction in the president’s record. It noted that Bola Tinubu once presented himself as a strong supporter of democracy and a participant in National Democratic Coalition, which opposed military rule. The party said it is troubling that actions under his leadership now appear similar to the kinds of abuses that group once fought against.
