ADC Accuses FG Of Using Police To Intimidate El-Rufai, Malami, Other Party Leaders

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of using the police to intimidate opposition figures instead of addressing the country’s worsening insecurity.

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

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

He argued that while terrorists and bandits continue to wreak havoc across the north, security agencies appear more focused on silencing opposition voices.

Abdullahi also alleged that thugs armed with cutlasses and stones disrupted an ADC meeting in Kaduna, yet police officers present failed to intervene.

“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, but no one was held accountable.

He further claimed that the police in Kaduna sealed off the ADC’s state office ahead of a scheduled zonal leadership meeting, calling it a deliberate attempt to obstruct the party’s constitutional right to organize.

“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 ADC called for the withdrawal of the summons against el-Rufai and its leaders, describing the move as politically motivated.

It also demanded the reopening of its Kaduna office, the arrest of those responsible for the attacks in Kaduna and Kebbi, and disciplinary measures against officers who stood by during the violence.

“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 pledged to stand firmly behind its members and leaders, stressing that it will not be intimidated into silence.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Kaduna State Police Command ordered Nasir El-Rufai and other ADC leaders to appear for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, public disturbance, and causing bodily harm.