The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the continued detention of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, without charge undermines democracy.

The ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement on Wednesday by Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC spokesperson, the party described the detention as “illegal and unconstitutional”.

The ADC alleged that attempts were being made to coerce el-Rufai into abandoning his political choices.

The party asked the ICPC to release el-Rufai immediately or arraign him before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The ADC said it would petition Amnesty International and other human rights organisations if el-Rufai is not released.

“The African Democratic Congress declares that the continued violation of the fundamental rights of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai is a stain on the conscience of our democracy and a dangerous descent into lawlessness by the Bola Tinubu-led government,” the statement reads.

“Thirty-two days ago, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, honoured an invitation by the EFCC in good faith, an act that should define a law-abiding citizen in a democratic society. Two days after his release, he was taken again, this time by the ICPC.

“Today, more than 30 days later, he remains in custody without arraignment, without formal charges, and under conditions that, by his own account include, restrictions from his family members and doctor; and coercion to abandon his political rights and associations as the price for his freedom.”

“Let us be clear, this is not law enforcement. This is the weaponisation of state institutions against political participation. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is an affront to the very idea of Nigeria as a democratic country.”

The ADC said the continued detention violates rights guaranteed by the constitution.

“Freedom is not a privilege that is granted at the pleasure of the executive branch,” the statement reads.

“It is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution. The right to liberty. The right to fair hearing. The right to political participation. These are not negotiable. They are not conditional.

“And they are not to be negotiated in dark rooms under threat by agencies that report to President Tinubu and his appointees.

“We must speak plainly, a government that detains without charge, intimidates without evidence, and demands silence in exchange for freedom is not acting like a democratic government, it is behaving like something else entirely.”

The party further reiterated its demand for el-Rufai’s immediate release or arraignment.

“We demand the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, or his immediate arraignment in a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement added.