ADC Kaduna political pressure allegations emerge as the party accuses authorities of targeting opposition members and undermining democratic processes
The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has accused authorities of engaging in what it described as a sustained pattern of political pressure targeting opposition figures, including allies of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
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ADC Kaduna accusations of political interference were raised on Tuesday during a briefing with journalists in Kaduna, where party chieftain and former Commissioner for Education Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello expressed grave concern over developments he said were undermining democratic norms and institutional fairness.
Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello stated that recent actions involving Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai were not isolated but part of a broader and coordinated pattern.
The party pointed to several issues, including exclusion from a ministerial position, legislative proceedings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the arrest and detention of individuals associated with the former governor.
Among those named by the party were Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, Jimi Lawal and Aisha Galadima, whom the ADC said had been affected by the ongoing developments.
The ADC further alleged that key anti-corruption and security agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services, were being used in ways that raise concerns about selective enforcement.
According to Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello, prolonged detention, altered bail conditions and contested judicial processes suggest potential abuse of institutional mechanisms and a weakening of public confidence in the justice system.
The party also raised concerns about what it described as violations of due process and human rights, citing instances of extended detention and repeated transfers involving Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
It argued that such actions call into question fairness, proportionality and adherence to the rule of law.
Beyond individual cases, the ADC claimed that opposition voices in Kaduna State are facing increasing restrictions, including arrests, intimidation and interference in internal party activities.
It also alleged limitations on establishing party offices in certain areas.
The party referenced additional national level concerns involving party leadership disputes, including issues linked to former Senate President David Mark, which it said further highlight questions around institutional neutrality.
In response to these developments, the ADC called for an immediate end to what it described as politically motivated harassment and urged the release of individuals it believes are unlawfully detained.
The party also appealed for strict adherence to due process and the independence of state institutions.
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A notable aspect of the briefing was the party’s appeal to civil society organisations and the international community to monitor the situation closely, warning that continued pressure on opposition figures could erode democratic pluralism and public trust.
