ADC Condemns El-Rufai's Extended Detention, Petitions Human Rights Groups
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the ongoing detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, labeling it a severe infringement on his human rights. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) has held the ADC chieftain for more than 30 days, prompting the party to threaten petitions to Amnesty International and other human rights organizations.
Illegal and Unconstitutional Detention Alleged
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described el-Rufai's detention as illegal, unconstitutional, and an attempt to coerce him into abandoning his political affiliations. The ADC emphasized that such actions undermine democratic principles and called on the ICPC to uphold the rule of law by releasing el-Rufai immediately to allow him to prepare his defense.
The party asserted that indefinite detention of citizens is characteristic of dictatorship and has no place in a democratic society. It vowed to escalate the matter by petitioning international human rights groups if el-Rufai is not freed promptly.
Details of the Detention and Allegations
According to the ADC statement, el-Rufai initially honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in good faith, demonstrating compliance as a law-abiding citizen. However, two days after his release, he was taken into custody by the ICPC, where he has remained for over 30 days without formal charges or arraignment.
The party highlighted that el-Rufai's conditions include restrictions from family members and medical access, along with alleged coercion to renounce his political rights as a condition for freedom. The ADC condemned this as weaponization of state institutions against political participation, arguing it violates constitutional guarantees of liberty, fair hearing, and political engagement.
ADC's Stance on Democratic Rights
The ADC reiterated that freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, not a privilege subject to executive discretion. It stressed that these rights are non-negotiable and should not be compromised through threats or backroom dealings by agencies under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
This incident has sparked concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, with the ADC urging immediate action to rectify what it calls a dangerous descent into lawlessness.
