ADC Demands Fair Play in Malami, El-Rufai Cases, Warns Against Politically Driven Justice

March 3, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed deep concern over the handling of legal proceedings involving two of its senior members, Mr. Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from Kebbi State, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the party emphasized that no Nigerian, regardless of office held or public profile, is above the law, but warned that justice must be administered consistently and without political influence.

The ADC criticized the pattern of rapid transfers of Malami and El-Rufai between law enforcement agencies while investigations are ongoing, noting that such actions risk creating the perception of pre-trial punishment or political coercion. The party highlighted that in a constitutional democracy, detention should follow clear and substantiated charges, not precede them in ways that raise public doubts about fairness.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The party contrasted these cases with another recent high-profile matter involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy, and impersonation linked to a London property dispute. In that instance, the accused pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and the case has continued through the courts without the kind of protracted custody and inter-agency shuffling seen in the Malami and El-Rufai cases.

ADC insisted that both leaders, as Nigerian citizens, are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence. “This is not a courtesy; it is a constitutional guarantee,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the party.

READ ALSO : Atiku Condemns EFCC’s ‘Political Witch-Hunt’ Against Malami

State House Slams ADC, NNPP Over Criticism of Electoral Act Amendments

El-Rufai’s Calculated Victimhood

The statement affirmed the party’s commitment to standing by its members, ensuring they are neither intimidated nor denied their legal rights, and underscored that this support does not equate to obstructing justice but demands that the law be applied fairly and transparently.

The party called on federal authorities to clarify publicly the current status and stage of investigations into Malami and El-Rufai, to respect constitutional safeguards against arbitrary or prolonged detention, and to ensure that any charges supported by credible evidence are prosecuted without delay.

ADC warned that the perception of selective justice particularly when opposition figures appear to face unusually swift enforcement measures risks undermining public trust in the legal system and the integrity of democratic governance.

“In moments like this, nations define themselves,” the statement concluded. “ADC chooses to define Nigeria as a country that upholds equal justice for all, not one where political considerations dictate legal outcomes.

Justice must be impartial, consistent, and immune from the influence of power or politics.”

+ posts

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

DSS Detains Five Officers in Connection with El‑Rufai Airport Security Lapse

Soludo
Next Story

Sit-At-Home: Soludo Slashes Salaries Over Monday Absences, Workers Lament Excessive Pay Cut

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Airports Authority Defends New Cashless System

Nigeria’s airport authority on Tuesday defended its move to enforce electronic payments nationwide, saying the policy is designed to plug revenue leakages and improve accountability amid increased scrutiny of government agencies’ finances. The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,

Oyedele to Replace Uzoka-Anite as Finance State Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated tax expert Taiwo Oyedele as minister of state for finance, replacing Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday. Uzoka-Anite has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as minister of state,

Trump Sanctions Rwanda Military Over DR Congo Conflict

US President, Donald Trump on Monday imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s defence forces and four senior military officials over their alleged role in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling for an immediate withdrawal from the volatile, mineral-rich region.
Previous Story

DSS Detains Five Officers in Connection with El‑Rufai Airport Security Lapse

Soludo
Next Story

Sit-At-Home: Soludo Slashes Salaries Over Monday Absences, Workers Lament Excessive Pay Cut

Don't Miss

Tinubu To Security Chiefs: Nigeria's $1trillion Economy Target Will Be Undermined If Insecurity Not Degraded

Tinubu To Security Chiefs: Nigeria’s $1trillion Economy Target Will Be Undermined If Insecurity Not Degraded

 President Bola Tinubu has charged heads of security agencies to
Comedian Buchi Announces Full Custodial Access To His Children

Comedian Buchi Announces Full Custodial Access To His Children

Nigerian comedian Onyebuchi “Buchi” Ojieh has announced that he has