The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of applying justice selectively in the ongoing legal cases involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said it was concerned about what it described as uneven enforcement of the law against its members.
The ADC insisted that while no citizen is above the law, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done without political bias.
“In a constitutional democracy where the law appears to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist firmly that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation,” the statement said.
The party expressed alarm over what it termed the rapid transfer of El-Rufai and Malami between law enforcement agencies while investigations were reportedly ongoing.
“When a citizen is moved from one detention facility to another before investigations are demonstrably concluded, it raises serious questions. Is detention being used as an investigative shortcut or as a means of pressure?” the ADC queried.
It argued that in a democracy governed by the rule of law, custody should follow credible and well-prepared charges, not precede them in a manner that creates the impression of pre-trial punishment.
The party also compared the cases involving its members with another high-profile matter involving allegations of passport forgery and international conspiracy, where the accused persons were granted bail and court proceedings commenced swiftly.
“If there is evidence against Abubakar Malami or Nasir El-Rufai, it should be presented transparently before the court. Nigerians will not accept a situation where enforcement appears to move with unusual speed against opposition figures while similar cases proceed at a gentler pace,” the statement added.
The ADC maintained that both Malami and El-Rufai are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The party vowed to stand by its members and ensure they are not denied their legal rights, while calling on authorities to clarify the status of investigations and adhere strictly to constitutional safeguards against arbitrary or prolonged detention.
“In moments like this, nations define themselves. Nigeria must be defined by equal application of the law, not by the whims of the executive,” the ADC stated.
Stop Selective Justice Against El-Rufai, Malami — ADC Blasts FG, Demands Equal Application of Law
