The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has expressed concern over what it described as the alleged persecution and harassment of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition figures, alleging that the actions are politically motivated.

The party made the claims at a press conference held in Kaduna on Tuesday, accusing the government of orchestrating a sustained campaign targeting opposition members.

The ADC warned that continued actions against opposition figures could undermine democracy and erode public trust in governance.

It therefore called on civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.

A chieftain of the party, Professor Sani Bello, who read the communiqué, said recent events point to what he described as “a troubling pattern of abuse of state institutions, disregard for due process, and erosion of democratic norms.”

The ADC alleged that actions taken against El-Rufai were politically motivated and aimed at undermining his reputation and influence.

Among the concerns raised were what the party described as an “unjustifiable ministerial snub” and proceedings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which it claimed resulted in “questionable charges lacking substantive merit.”

The party also cited the arrest and detention of several associates of the former governor, including Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, and Jimmy Lawal, describing the development as part of a broader effort to intimidate opposition members.

It further alleged the misuse of key federal agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Department of State Services.

According to Professor Bello, the agencies have continued actions against El-Rufai and his associates despite what the party described as a lack of credible evidence.

He also alleged attempts to obtain a fraudulent court order for arrest and criticised what he termed prolonged detention under inhumane and degrading conditions.

The ADC further claimed violations of fundamental rights, including arbitrary detention, repeated transfers between Abuja and Kaduna, and inconsistent bail conditions, insisting that such actions contravene constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and human dignity.

It also alleged a broader crackdown on opposition activities in Kaduna State, including arbitrary arrests and intimidation by security operatives.

The party further accused security agencies of political interference and efforts to destabilise its internal structure through litigation and sponsored factional divisions.

The ADC linked the alleged persecution to what it described as governance failures in the state, citing rising insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and unresolved farmer-herder conflicts.

The party called for an immediate end to what it termed politically motivated actions, the release of those allegedly detained unlawfully, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

It also urged authorities to restore democratic norms, respect party autonomy, and ensure neutrality of state institutions.