ADC Alleges Selective Justice, Backs el-Rufai and Malami

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of applying the law selectively and pledged support for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who are currently facing trial.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it remained committed to the rule of law but expressed concern over what it described as unequal treatment of its members compared to individuals facing other high-profile allegations.

El-Rufai and Malami are being prosecuted over alleged financial misconduct, wiretapping and misappropriation of public funds. The ADC argued that while it does not place any individual above the law, justice must be applied fairly, transparently and without political bias.

According to the party, the manner and speed with which the cases involving its leaders are being handled have raised public concerns. It questioned the transfer of both men between law enforcement agencies while investigations were reportedly ongoing.

“When a citizen is moved from one detention facility to another before investigations are concluded, it raises legitimate concerns about whether detention is being used as a substitute for thorough investigation or as a means of pressure,” the statement said.

The ADC called on relevant authorities to clarify the current status of investigations, ensure respect for constitutional safeguards against arbitrary detention, and guarantee a transparent, time-bound prosecution where credible evidence exists. It also demanded equal application of the law regardless of political affiliation.

Meanwhile, the party’s South-South Zone has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify investigations into the recent attack on its secretariat in Edo State and the residence of its national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun.

The DSS had announced the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect, Udeme Sunday Stephen, in connection with the February 24 incident in Benin City, which also affected supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement by the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, the ADC commended the DSS for the arrest but insisted that further investigation was necessary.

She questioned whether the violence was carried out by a lone individual, asking who financed and provided logistics for the attack, and who stood to benefit from it.

Oboh clarified that the violence began at the party’s secretariat, where several people were injured, before the attackers proceeded to Odigie-Oyegun’s residence and damaged vehicles parked outside while party leaders were meeting indoors.

The ADC maintained that a thorough and transparent investigation was essential to uncover all those involved and restore public confidence.