The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law while insisting that justice in Nigeria must be applied fairly, transparently, and without political bias.
The party made this position known while defending former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who are currently facing separate legal investigations and proceedings.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC declared that while no Nigerian citizen is above the law, the administration of justice must not be selective or influenced by political considerations.
According to the party, it has been closely monitoring developments surrounding the cases involving the two political figures and will continue to stand by its members throughout the legal process.
Last week, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that Abubakar Malami, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Similarly, Nasir El-Rufai honoured an invitation by the EFCC on February 16 and remained in custody until February 18 before being transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for continued investigation over allegations bordering on financial misconduct.
Reacting to the developments, the ADC emphasized that respect for due process remains fundamental in a democratic society. However, the party cautioned against actions that may create the impression of unequal treatment under the law.
“As a law-abiding political party, we acknowledge that no citizen, regardless of status, is above the law. Nevertheless, justice in a constitutional democracy must be applied evenly and without political motives,” the statement read.
The party further urged Nigerians to critically assess how different high-profile cases are handled within the justice system. It referenced other recent cases involving serious allegations where suspects were granted bail and allowed to proceed through judicial processes without extended detention.
According to the ADC, the handling of the cases involving Malami and El-Rufai including prolonged detention and transfers between investigative agencies raises concerns about procedural fairness.
The opposition party maintained that its stance is rooted in constitutional principles rather than partisan interests, stressing that both leaders remain Nigerian citizens entitled to fundamental human rights.
“Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are citizens of Nigeria first before being opposition figures or members of our party,” the statement noted.
Reiterating the principle of presumption of innocence, the ADC stated that both men must be regarded as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law. The party also pledged continued support to ensure that its members are not subjected to intimidation or denial of their constitutional rights during the judicial process.
