The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised strong concerns over what it describes as the selective application of justice in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the legal challenges facing two of its prominent figures, Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement published Tuesday on X, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC has been closely observing the unfolding legal proceedings and remains committed to the principle that justice must be impartial and free from political influence.
“The ADC believes firmly that no citizen—regardless of status or former office—is above the law,” the statement read. “However, in a constitutional democracy, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. When enforcement appears inconsistent or politically calibrated, it raises legitimate public concern.”
The party pointed to what it described as disparities in the speed and manner of legal processes, referencing a recent high-profile case involving allegations such as passport forgery, international conspiracy, and impersonation, in which the accused were granted bail and allowed to stand trial.
It contrasted this with what it termed “extended custodial movements, inter-agency transfers, and processes that appear to precede, rather than follow, fully crystallised prosecution” in the cases involving Malami and El-Rufai.
Reaffirming its position, the ADC stressed that both men are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence. “Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are Nigerian citizens first before they are opposition leaders. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law,” Abdullahi stated.
Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, is currently in custody over allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct during his tenure.
On February 27, 2026, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court ordered that he and his son, Abdulaziz, be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife, Asabe, was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges that include the alleged mismanagement of approximately ₦800 billion in recovered funds. The case has been adjourned to March 6, 2026, for the hearing of their bail applications.
El-Rufai, meanwhile, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). His legal challenges intensified following a February interview in which he acknowledged authorising the tapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.
The ICPC is also probing alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023.
In response, El-Rufai has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, contesting what he describes as an unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence on February 19. The matter was adjourned to March 11, 2026, after his legal team was unable to serve the respondents.
The ADC concluded by pledging unwavering support for its members. “We will stand firmly by our leaders as they assert their legal rights.
They must not be isolated, intimidated, or denied the constitutional protections guaranteed to every Nigerian. Justice must be even-handed, transparent, and devoid of political calculation.”
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