ADC to police, FG: Stop harassing el-Rufai, Malami… focus on bandits

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of using law enforcement to intimidate opposition leaders “while failing to tackle widespread insecurity”.

The party condemned the summons issued to Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna; and the attack on the convoy of Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation.

In a statement on Friday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, described the developments as “an assault not just on individual politicians, but on Nigeria’s democracy itself”.

He said the police appear more interested in “silencing opposition leaders than protecting citizens” while terrorists and bandits continue to run riot across the north.

Abdullahi alleged that thugs armed with stones and cutlasses recently attacked an ADC gathering in Kaduna as police officers looked away.

“Instead of arresting those responsible, the police are now targeting the victims with summons,” he said.

He added that in Kebbi, Malami’s convoy was attacked in broad daylight near a police outpost, with no arrests made.

The ADC spokesperson also said police in Kaduna sealed off the party’s office ahead of a planned meeting of zonal leaders.

According to him, such actions are a deliberate attempt to stifle the party’s constitutional right to assemble and organise.

“These acts by the police are not isolated. They represent a systematic attempt to criminalise opposition politics, especially in states where the ruling party feels threatened by the growing influence of the ADC,” Abdullahi said.

The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of the summons issued to el-Rufai and other ADC leaders, insisting the invitations were politically motivated.

The ADC also asked the police to unseal its office in Kaduna and publish the names of individuals who filed complaints that triggered the investigations.

It further demanded the arrest and prosecution of those behind the Kebbi and Kaduna attacks, as well as disciplinary action against police officers who failed to act during the incidents.

“The federal government must redirect the focus of the Nigeria Police toward their primary duty — protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians — instead of being used as a tool of political manipulation,” Abdullahi said.

The party vowed to stand by its leaders and members, reiterating that it would not be intimidated.

Earlier, Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, said recent developments point to a troubling drift towards authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu.