ADC declares El-Rufai a ‘prisoner of conscience,’ demands immediate release

The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has called for the unconditional release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, labelling him a “prisoner of conscience.”

The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after the party’s 101st NEC meeting held in Abuja on Saturday. The meeting also ratified the results of recent primary elections and approved key organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the communiqué, the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and demanded his immediate freedom. A prisoner of conscience is generally defined as someone detained or punished for their peaceful beliefs or expression without any involvement in violence.

The resolution is expected to intensify political discourse around El-Rufai’s situation, especially given his prominence in national politics and his recent alignment with opposition forces challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Beyond the call for El-Rufai’s release, the NEC approved the outcomes of the party’s recently held primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, governorship, and presidential elections. However, the approval excluded contests with pending appeals as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries that remain inconclusive.

Party leaders stressed the importance of resolving disputes arising from the nomination process through internal party mechanisms.

The committee also approved a 12-month tenure extension for the National Working Committee, allowing the current leadership to steer the party through the critical period leading to the 2027 polls. Additionally, the NEC authorised the formation of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government, and ward levels, also for a period of one year. This move is seen as an effort to strengthen grassroots structures.

The NEC meeting followed an earlier call by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, for members to remain united and present the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the country’s current economic and security challenges.

With the ratification of most primary results and the extension of leadership tenure, the ADC appears to be consolidating its internal organisation. However, the party’s demand for El-Rufai’s release may attract significant attention, potentially adding a new dimension to opposition alliance-building efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.