JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of selective application of justice in handling legal matters involving former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Opposition parties say patterns of arrests, transfers between security agencies and the speed with which actions are taken have sparked widespread concern about whether the rule of law is being applied consistently, regardless of political affiliation.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, the party said it has been closely observing developments involving the two former officials belonging to the ADC.
He said: “ADC, has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders, Mr Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Kebbi State, and El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State. “As a law-abiding party, it is important to note that ADC believes that no citizen, regardless of status or past office, is above the law.
“In a constitutional democracy where the law is seen to operate selectively, it is critical to affirm, unequivocally and without apology, that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculations, especially in cases like those involving Malami and El-Rufai, where the manner, speed, and sequence of law enforcement actions have raised serious public concerns about consistency and fairness.
“The sequential transfer of Malami and El-Rufai from the custody of one law enforcement agency to another, while the investigation appears to be ongoing, has raised deep public concern.
“In a democratic country that should be based on the supremacy of law, detention must follow credible and well-prepared charges, not precede charges that give the impression of pre-trial punishment.
“If there is evidence against Malami, prosecute him transparently. If there is evidence against El-Rufai, take it to court and let the law take its course.”
The ADC also referred to what it described as a high-profile case of contrasts, involving allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy and impersonation. According to the party, in this case the defendants were granted bail and the process proceeded quickly.
“These are not minor procedural questions. They touch on issues of national integrity and international credibility. However, in those cases, the defendants pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and the matter proceeded to trial.
“Therefore, they are presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven otherwise in a fair and competent court. This presumption should not be considered as a courtesy, but as a constitutional guarantee.
“We will continue to accompany our members as they demand their legal rights. We will ensure that they are not ostracized, intimidated or denied the protections to which every Nigerian citizen is entitled under the law,” the ADC added.
The party stated that its position was not to shield individuals from accountability but to insist that legal processes be followed strictly and without bias, and warned that inconsistencies in law enforcement could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
