From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities of orchestrating a sustained campaign of persecution and harassment against opposition figures, particularly former governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
The party warned that continued actions against opposition leaders could undermine democracy and erode public trust in governance.
It, therefore, called on civil society groups and the international community to closely monitor developments in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
At a press conference yesterday, April 7, read by a chieftain of ADC, Professor Sani Bello, the party said recent developments point to “a troubling pattern of abuse of state institutions, disregard for due process and erosion of democratic norms.”
The ADC alleged that actions taken against el-Rufai, who is a prominent opposition figure, were politically motivated and aimed at undermining his reputation and influence.
Among the concerns raised were what the party described as an unjustifiable ministerial snub and proceedings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which it claimed resulted in “questionable charges lacking substantive merit.”
The party also cited the arrest and detention of several of el-Rufai’s associates, including Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani and Jimmy Lawal, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to intimidate opposition members.
The ADC further alleged the misuse of key federal agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the party, these agencies had continued to pursue actions against el-Rufai and his associates, despite failing to produce credible evidence against him.
It also alleged attempts to obtain a fraudulent court order for his arrest and criticised what it described as prolonged detention under inhumane and degrading conditions.
The statement highlighted alleged violations of el-Rufai’s fundamental rights, including claims of arbitrary detention, repeated transfers between Abuja and Kaduna and inconsistent bail conditions.
The ADC said such actions contravene constitutional guarantees, including the right to dignity and fair hearing.
Beyond individual cases, the party claimed there is a broader crackdown on opposition activities across Kaduna State.
It accused security forces, including the Nigeria Police, of carrying out arbitrary arrests and intimidation across local government areas.
The ADC also alleged political interference within its own structures, including attempts to create factional divisions and destabilise party leadership through litigation and sponsored parallel structures.
The party linked the alleged persecution to what it described as governance failures in the state. It cited rising insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and unresolved farmer-herder conflicts as pressing issues being overshadowed by political disputes.
The ADC called for an immediate end to what it termed politically motivated actions against opposition figures, the release of those allegedly detained unlawfully and strict adherence to the rule of law.
It also urged authorities to restore democratic norms, respect party autonomy and ensure the neutrality of state institutions.
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