The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chapter in Kaduna State has accused authorities of planning a persistent pattern of political harassment against members of opposition parties.
Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello, an ADC chieftain and former Commissioner for Education, briefed reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday. He expressed “grave concern” over what he termed as politically motivated activities eroding democratic standards.
The ADC said that recent events involving El-Rufai were a part of a larger plan to reduce his political power rather than being separate occurrences. The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s proceedings, his expulsion from a ministerial position, and the imprisonment and incarceration of other acquaintances were among the problems mentioned.
Aisha Galadima, Jimi Lawal, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, and Bashir Saidu were among those named by the party as being impacted.
The ADC further claimed that security and anti-corruption organizations, such as the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were being used in ways that gave the impression of selective enforcement.
The party claims that extended detention, changed bail terms, and dubious legal procedures indicate possible institutional abuse and a decline in public confidence.
The opposition party also cited El-Rufai’s prolonged arrest and frequent transfers between places as examples of what it claimed were abuses of due process and human rights.
It emphasized that such acts pose questions regarding proportionality, fairness, and respect for the law.
The ADC asserted that there is a growing crackdown on opposition voices throughout Kaduna State, extending beyond El-Rufai. It cited purported limitations on the formation of party offices, as well as reported arrests, intimidation, and meddling in party structures.
The party also cited national party leadership conflicts, such as those involving former Senate President David Mark, which it claimed exacerbated worries about institutional neutrality.
It demanded the immediate cessation of what it called harassment and politically driven prosecutions, as well as the release of those it believed to be wrongfully imprisoned. Additionally, it called on authorities to preserve institutional independence, respect due process, and provide a free and open democratic environment.
The ADC urged the foreign community, civil society organizations, and pertinent authorities to keep a careful eye on Kaduna State’s progress.
It cautioned that if opposition figures continue to face harassment, democratic pluralism and public confidence in government may be jeopardized.
