ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of Selective Justice in El-Rufai, Malami Cases
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has leveled serious allegations against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming it is applying selective justice in the handling of legal proceedings involving two prominent political figures: former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami. The opposition party has expressed deep concern over what it describes as troubling patterns in law enforcement actions against these individuals.
Patterns of Enforcement Raise Questions
According to the ADC, the sequence of arrests, transfers between multiple law enforcement agencies, and the unusual speed of enforcement actions against El-Rufai and Malami have fueled significant public debate about whether the rule of law is being applied impartially across political divides. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a detailed statement outlining these concerns.
"The ADC has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders, Mr. Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from Kebbi State, and El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State," the statement read. "As a law-abiding party, it is important to state for the record that the ADC believes no citizen, regardless of stature or past office, is above the law."
Constitutional Democracy Requires Even Application of Justice
The ADC emphasized that in a constitutional democracy where the law appears to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist firmly that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation. The party specifically highlighted cases involving Malami and El-Rufai, where the manner, speed, and sequence of enforcement actions have understandably raised serious public concern about consistency and fairness.
"In a democracy that is supposed to be governed by the rule of law, custody must follow credible, well-prepared charges, not precede them in a manner that creates the appearance of pre-trial punishment," the statement continued. "If there is evidence against Malami, prosecute him transparently. If there is evidence against El-Rufai, present it before the court and allow the law to take its course."
Contrasting High-Profile Case Cited
The ADC also referenced what it described as a contrasting high-profile case involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy, and impersonation. The party noted that in that particular matter, the defendants pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and court proceedings are progressing swiftly with proper constitutional protections.
"These are not minor procedural questions. They touch on issues of national integrity and international credibility," the ADC stated. "Yet, in that case, the accused persons pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and the matter is proceeding with dispatch before the court. They are, therefore, presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven otherwise in a fair and competent court of law. That presumption should not be treated as a courtesy, but as a constitutional guarantee."
Movement Between Agencies Raises Concerns
A particular point of concern for the ADC has been the repeated movement of both El-Rufai and Malami between different law enforcement agencies while investigations are reportedly ongoing. The party questioned whether this pattern suggests proper legal procedure or creates the appearance of pre-trial punishment.
"The movement of Malami and El-Rufai from the custody of one law enforcement agency to another, in rapid succession, while investigations appear ongoing, has raised profound public concern," the statement elaborated. "This pattern of enforcement actions has understandably led many to question whether political considerations are influencing legal proceedings."
Party Vows to Support Members Through Legal Process
Reaffirming its position, the African Democratic Congress vowed to support its members through the legal process while ensuring they receive all constitutional protections. The party emphasized its commitment to the rule of law while questioning the application of that law in these specific cases.
"We will continue to stand by our members as they assert their legal rights," the ADC added. "We will ensure that they are not isolated, intimidated, or denied the protections that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to under the law. The ADC remains committed to constitutional democracy and the principle that justice must be blind to political affiliation."
The statement concluded by calling for greater transparency in all legal proceedings involving political figures and emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria's justice system depends on consistent application of the law regardless of political considerations.
