The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Bola Ahmed Tinubu of steering Nigeria toward authoritarian rule, citing the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
At the heart of the controversy is the claim that El-Rufai has been held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for over 30 days without being formally charged or arraigned in court.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the situation as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The African Democratic Congress declares that the continued violation of the fundamental rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is a stain on the conscience of our democracy and a dangerous descent into lawlessness by the Bola Tinubu-led government.
“Thirty-two days ago, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, honoured an invitation by the EFCC in good faith, an act that should define a law-abiding citizen in a democratic society. Two days after his release, he was taken again, this time by the ICPC. Today, more than 30 days later, he remains in custody without arraignment, without formal charges, and under conditions that, by his own account, include restrictions from his family members and doctor, as well as coercion to abandon his political rights and associations as the price for his freedom.
“Let us be clear: this is not law enforcement. This is the weaponisation of state institutions against political participation. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is an affront to the very idea of Nigeria as a democratic country.
“Freedom is not a privilege granted at the pleasure of the executive; it is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, the right to liberty, the right to a fair hearing, and the right to political participation. These are not negotiable, not conditional, and not to be traded in dark rooms under threat by agencies that report to the president and his appointees,” the party stated.
The ADC also challenged President Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law.
“If President Bola Tinubu intends to govern as though the Constitution is optional, then he owes Nigerians the honesty to say so openly. He must declare, without pretence, that the rules of democracy no longer apply.
“But if the President still claims allegiance to the rule of law, then we challenge him to prove it in action.”
The party called for immediate compliance with constitutional provisions by key government officials, including Nuhu Ribadu, the leadership of the ICPC, and other agencies involved.
Expanding its warning, the ADC said the situation should concern all Nigerians, stressing that it goes beyond one political figure.
“As a law-abiding party, we call on all Nigerians, across party lines, states, and religions, to rise in defence of the Constitution. Today it is El-Rufai; tomorrow, it could be anyone the president sees as a threat to his 2027 agenda.
“We demand the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, or his immediate arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction—nothing more, nothing less. That is the law,” Abdullahi added.
The party further warned that it could escalate the matter beyond Nigeria if no action is taken, describing the issue as a broader test of the country’s democratic system.
What you should know
The detention of Nasir El-Rufai has sparked political debate over the use of state institutions and adherence to constitutional rights in Nigeria.
While anti-corruption agencies have the mandate to investigate, prolonged detention without formal charges raises legal and human rights concerns. The ADC’s reaction reflects growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinising government actions.
The outcome of this situation could influence public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law.
