By Abuja, Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its support for two of its senior members currently facing legal proceedings, insisting that while no citizen is above the law, justice must be administered fairly and without political bias.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it has been closely monitoring the cases involving Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, stressing that every Nigerian, regardless of status or past office, is subject to the law. However, it raised concerns about what it described as apparent inconsistencies in the enforcement process.
“As a law-abiding party, we believe no citizen is above the law,” the statement read. “But in a constitutional democracy, justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation.”
The party pointed to a recent high-profile case involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy, impersonation, and the alleged use of a disputed passport in support of a property claim in London. According to the ADC, despite the seriousness of the allegations in that matter, the accused persons were granted bail after pleading not guilty, and the case is proceeding in court.
By contrast, the ADC said the cases involving Malami and El-Rufai have been marked by prolonged custodial movements and inter-agency transfers, which it argued appear to precede fully established prosecution.
The party maintained that both men are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law, describing the principle as a guaranteed right rather than a privilege.
It further pledged to stand by its members throughout the legal process, stating that they would not be isolated, intimidated, or denied their legal protections.
“We will never abandon our people in moments of trial,” the statement added, reaffirming the party’s commitment to defending the rights of its members.
