By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as selective enforcement in the prosecution of two of its leaders, Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, who are facing corruption-related charges in Abuja. On Tuesday, the party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said authorities were applying the law unevenly. The ADC made the remarks while reacting to court proceedings and ongoing investigations involving the former officials.
ADC Alleges Selective Enforcement
In a statement posted on X, Abdullahi said the party has closely monitored the legal battles involving its members.
“The African Democratic Congress has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders,” the statement read.
He stressed that although the ADC respects the rule of law, justice must remain transparent and free from political calculation.
According to him, no citizen stands above the law. However, enforcement agencies must apply the law evenly and without bias.
Malami Remanded Over Money Laundering Charges
Malami remains in custody over allegations of money laundering and financial impropriety during his tenure.
On February 27, 2026, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court ordered that Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. Meanwhile, his wife, Asabe, was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre.
They pleaded not guilty to charges, including the alleged improper use of about ₦800 billion in recovered funds.
The court adjourned the matter to March 6, 2026, for the hearing of their bail applications.
El-Rufai Under Multi-Agency Investigation
El-Rufai is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services.
His legal challenges intensified after a February interview in which he admitted tapping the phone of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The ICPC is also probing alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
In response, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC. He accused the agency of unlawfully invading his Abuja residence on February 19.
However, the court adjourned the hearing to March 11, 2026, after his legal team failed to serve the respondents.
ADC Demands Equal Application of Justice
The ADC compared the cases to a recent high-profile matter involving allegations of passport forgery and international conspiracy. In that case, the accused persons secured bail and are currently standing trial.
By contrast, the party said Malami and El-Rufai face prolonged custodial movements and inter-agency transfers.
The party argued that such actions appear to precede fully crystallised prosecution.
“Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are first citizens of Nigeria before they are opposition leaders,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the Constitution presumes them innocent until a competent court proves otherwise.
Furthermore, the ADC vowed to support its members throughout the legal process.
“We will continue to stand by our members as they assert their legal rights,” Abdullahi stated. “We will never abandon our people in moments of trial.”
