The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has denounced what it claims is a systematic campaign of persecution targeting former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and other opposition figures. Professor Sani Bello Mainan Zazzau, the party's spokesperson and a former commissioner for local government, read the statement in Kaduna on Tuesday, accusing the state government of politically motivated actions. The ADC alleged that El-Rufai has been subjected to a ministerial snub and targeted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to weaken his political influence. It also criticised the ongoing detention of his associates—Bashir Saidu, Ja'afar Ibrahim Sani, and Jimmy Lawal—as part of a broader intimidation strategy.
The party accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and Department of State Services of being weaponised without presenting credible evidence against El-Rufai or his allies. It cited repeated transfers between Abuja and Kaduna, prolonged detention, harsh conditions, and inconsistent bail rulings as violations of due process. The ADC claimed opposition activities across all 23 local government areas in Kaduna are being disrupted by security operatives and internal interference. While condemning the alleged crackdown, the party highlighted worsening insecurity, unemployment, rising living costs, and deteriorating healthcare in the state. It demanded an end to harassment, called for the release of detained individuals, or alternatively, transparent trials. The ADC also appealed to civil society and the international community to support democratic integrity.
El-Rufai's continued targeting, coupled with the detention of his aides without trial, suggests a narrowing political space in Kaduna under the current administration. When anti-corruption agencies operate without presenting evidence over extended periods, public trust in due process erodes. For Nigerians, this signals that opposition figures may face disproportionate scrutiny without recourse to fair legal standards. The situation raises concerns about the balance between governance and political dissent in the state.
