The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as selective enforcement of the law, insisting that former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, are entitled to the full constitutional presumption of innocence as their legal cases proceed.
In a statement on Tuesday, issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party pledged to continue supporting Malami, El-Rufai, and other members facing prosecution.
The statement followed a Federal High Court order last week remanding Malami at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, as he faces charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Meanwhile, El-Rufai voluntarily responded to an EFCC invitation on February 16 and remained in custody until February 18, after which he was transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation over alleged financial misconduct.
Reacting to the developments, the ADC said that while no citizen is above the law, justice must be applied fairly and without selectivity in a constitutional democracy.
The party argued that the “manner, speed, and sequence of enforcement actions” in the cases of Malami and El-Rufai have raised public concerns about consistency and fairness.
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The ADC urged Nigerians to compare these cases with other high-profile matters, noting that in some cases involving serious allegations, accused persons were granted bail and proceedings have continued without prolonged custodial movements or inter-agency transfers.
The party emphasised that its stance is based on constitutional principles rather than partisan loyalty.
“Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are first citizens of Nigeria before they are opposition leaders or members of the African Democratic Congress,” the statement said.
The ADC reaffirmed that Malami and El-Rufai are presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven otherwise in a fair and competent court of law.
It pledged to continue standing by its members, ensuring they are not isolated, intimidated, or denied the protections guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.
“We will never abandon our people in moments of trial. We will never leave any of our members behind,” the party said.