The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities of applying the law unevenly in the ongoing prosecutions of two of its high-profile members, warning that selective justice poses a threat to constitutional democracy.
In a statement released Tuesday via social media, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC had been closely observing legal proceedings involving former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
“Justice Must Be Evenly Applied”
Abdullahi stressed that the party does not claim immunity for any of its members, noting that all citizens are subject to the law.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as inconsistencies in the pace and manner of enforcement actions.
According to him, in a constitutional system, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done transparently, impartially, and without political undertones.
The ADC contrasted the treatment of Malami and El-Rufai with what it called a recent high-profile case involving allegations such as passport forgery and international conspiracy, where defendants were granted bail and allowed to proceed to trial.
The party argued that, by comparison, its members have faced what it termed prolonged detention, inter-agency transfers, and procedures that appear to precede formal prosecution.
The statement reaffirmed the presumption of innocence guaranteed under the Constitution, insisting that both men are entitled to full legal protections until proven guilty by a competent court.
Malami is currently in custody over allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct linked to his tenure in public office.
On February 27, 2026, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered that he and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while his wife was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges that include the alleged mismanagement of approximately N800 billion in recovered public funds.
The court adjourned the matter to March 6, 2026, for hearing of their bail applications.
El-Rufai, meanwhile, is facing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services.
His legal challenges intensified after a February media interview in which he acknowledged authorising the phone-tapping of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu during his time in office.
The ICPC is also examining allegations of financial impropriety tied to his administration between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor has instituted a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, alleging unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence on February 19.
The case was adjourned to March 11, 2026, after his legal representatives were unable to serve the respondents.
The ADC maintained that it would stand firmly behind its members as they pursue legal remedies, pledging not to allow what it described as intimidation or isolation.
Political analysts said the unfolding cases could further intensify tensions between the ruling establishment and opposition figures, particularly as debates over accountability and the rule of law continue to dominate national discourse.
As proceedings continue in the courts, attention remains fixed on whether the allegations would be tested strictly within the framework of due process, a principle the ADC insists must guide every step of the judicial process.
