The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised what it described as an alleged move by security personnel to detain former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following his return from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.
The party’s position was made public in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
ADC characterised the reported development as disturbing and inconsistent with established legal norms. It cautioned that such actions, if accurate, could weaken constitutional protections and erode standards of democratic accountability.
According to the party, the alleged attempt raises serious questions about adherence to due process and the expectation that security and law enforcement agencies operate without political bias.
ADC warned that actions widely perceived as politically driven risk diminishing public confidence in democratic institutions and undermining trust in the rule of law.
The party further alleged that the incident fits into what it called a broader and troubling pattern of selective pressure directed at opposition figures nationwide.
It also criticised what it termed a double standard in the country’s anti-corruption campaign. While emphasising that no individual should be considered above the law, ADC maintained that legal processes must not be manipulated to target political adversaries.
“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 said.
ADC argued that selective accountability diminishes respect for the rule of law and weakens the moral authority of government institutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the party nonetheless rejected what it described as 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,” the statement added.
The party urged security and law enforcement agencies to remain guided by their constitutional responsibilities and professional obligations.
ADC stated that it would closely observe subsequent developments and would respond appropriately if democratic principles were threatened.
“Political competition in Nigeria must be settled through persuasion and the ballot, not through selective law enforcement,” it emphasised.
What you should know
The ADC has publicly objected to what it describes as an attempted arrest of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after his return from Egypt.
According to the party, no arrest warrant was presented, raising concerns about due process and constitutional safeguards. ADC argues that such actions, if politically motivated, could erode public trust in law enforcement agencies and democratic institutions.
While reiterating that no individual is above the law, the party insists that anti-corruption and legal processes must be applied fairly and transparently.
The development adds to ongoing debates about political neutrality, selective accountability and the health of democratic governance in Nigeria.
