ADC demands transparency in Malami, El-Rufai cases

Says justice must not be applied selectively

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Tuesday, expressed concern over the handling of ongoing legal cases involving two of its leaders, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that justice must not be applied selectively.

In a statement, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC has been monitoring developments surrounding the cases of Malami, and El-Rufai.

Recall that the two ADC chieftains have come under scrutiny over allegations involving criminal charges, keeping them in and out of detention facilities in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Reacting to these developments, the ADC spokesperson cautioned that in a constitutional democracy, the law must be applied evenly, transparently and without political calculation.

“It is important to state for the record that the ADC believes no citizen, regardless of stature or past office, is above the law.

“However, where the law is seen to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist that justice must be applied evenly,” the statement read.

The ADC publicity secretary said the party is worried by the rapid custodial movements and inter-agency transfers involving the two opposition figures while investigations are reportedly ongoing.

He argued that transferring a citizen from one detention facility to another before investigations are demonstrably concluded raises questions about consistency and fairness.

He added that custody should follow properly prepared charges and not precede them in a way that creates the appearance of pre-trial punishment.

Abdullahi said: “If there is evidence against Abubakar Malami, prosecute him transparently. If there is evidence against Nasir El-Rufai, present it before the court and allow the law to take its course.

“But Nigerians will not accept a situation where coercive instruments of the federal government are perceived to move with unusual speed against opposition figures, while similar matters elsewhere travel at a gentler pace.”

He also referenced a recent high-profile case involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy and impersonation, noting that the defendants in that matter were granted bail and the case is proceeding in court.

Reaffirming the party’s position, Abdullahi said Malami and El-Rufai remain presumed innocent under the constitution until proven guilty in a competent court of law.

He added that the party would continue to stand by its members as they assert their legal rights and called on relevant authorities to provide public clarification on the status and stage of investigations.

The ADC spokesperson further demanded strict adherence to constitutional safeguards against arbitrary or prolonged detention, transparent and time-bound prosecution of any charges supported by credible evidence, and equal application of the law regardless of political affiliation.

“In moments such as this, nations define themselves,” he said, adding that Nigeria must be founded on the equal application of the law, not governed by executive discretion.