The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Federal Government against any action that could endanger former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying the consequences would be severe for the country’s democracy and political stability.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to recent developments involving the former governor.
Abdullahi alleged that there were attempts to intimidate and silence opposition figures, insisting that El-Rufai should not be subjected to political persecution or harassment because of his political views or affiliations.
He maintained that the Federal Government has a constitutional obligation to guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of every Nigerian, irrespective of political leaning.
According to him, any harm to El-Rufai would raise serious concerns about Nigeria’s democratic credentials and further heighten political tension across the country.
The ADC spokesman urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agencies operate within the confines of the law, warning against the use of state institutions to intimidate political opponents.
In an interview on Symponi TV, Abdullahi said: “Nasir El-Rufai is not being held today because he committed any crime as that would have been left for the court to decide, let the court pronounce that he’s guilty or not guilty.
“But to continue to hold him speaks to something else and that’s why it’s clear to us that the desire and intentions of this government is to continue to hold El-Rufai to ensure that he does not participate in this election and does not strengthen the opposition.
“That is exactly what they plan to do. I will repeat it here that if, God forbid, anything happens to El-Rufai, President Bola Tinubu should realize even if he didn’t intend it that he would be held personally responsible and the consequences can’t be imagined.”
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic values and called on the authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties and foster a political environment where dissenting voices can be expressed without fear of intimidation.
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