ADC accuses Nigerian govt of ‘selective justice’ in El-Rufai, Malami cases

The African Democratic Congress (ADC)  has alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is applying justice selectively in its handling of legal matters involving former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

The opposition party said the pattern of arrests, transfers between security agencies and the pace at which actions have unfolded have sparked widespread concern about whether the rule of law is being applied consistently, irrespective of political affiliations.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, the party said it had been closely observing developments involving the two former officials, who are members of the ADC.

He said: “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. “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.

“In a constitutional democracy where the law is seen to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist, firmly and without apology, that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation, particularly in cases such as those involving Malami and El-Rufai, where the manner, speed, and sequence of enforcement actions have understandably raised serious public concern about consistency and fairness.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The ADC also referenced what it described as a contrasting high-profile case involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy and impersonation. According to the party, in that matter, the defendants were granted bail and proceedings have progressed swiftly.

“These are not minor procedural questions. They touch on issues of national integrity and international credibility. 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.

“We will continue to stand by our members as they assert their legal rights. 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 added.

The party maintained that its position was not to shield any individual from accountability but to insist that due process be followed strictly and without bias, warning that perceived inconsistencies in enforcement could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.