Politics

‎‎PRESS CONFERENCE‎‎ELRUFAI’S 150-DAYS DETENTION: TINUBU’S TYRANNICAL REGIME MUST STOP WEAPONIZING BAIL AS A TOOL OF OPPRESSING DISSIDENTS‎‎The United Action for Democracy (UAD), a coalition committed to the defence of democracy, human rights, constitutional governance, and the rule of law, is deeply concerned about the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai through the weaponization of punitive bail conditions and calls for his immediate release.‎‎We strong condemn the way the Tinubu government has been using the security agents and the judiciary to shut down opponents and keep many in jail. We against against all oppression.‎‎UAD is particularly concerned by reports surrounding the condition of Mallam El-Rufai in detention and allegations that he may not be receiving adequate and timely medical attention. We are equally concerned by reports regarding the alleged arrest and detention of his personal physician, Professor Bello Abubakar, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This same madness of arresting and unlawfully detaining medical personnels is an insult to democracy. The same Tinubu regime arrested and unlawfully detained Nnamdi Kanu’s doctor just for doing his professional work!‎‎We wish to state clearly that the fight against corruption and the prosecution of alleged offences must be conducted strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the rule of law. No individual, regardless of political position, is above the law. However, no individual should also be subjected to arbitrary detention, political intimidation, selective justice, or any form of treatment that violates his fundamental rights.‎‎The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty, dignity of the human person, fair hearing, and due process. These rights must be respected even when a person is under investigation or facing criminal allegations.‎‎UAD therefore demands that the relevant authorities provide clear and credible information on the legal basis for Mallam El-Rufai’s continued detention and ensure that all proceedings involving him are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.‎‎We further demand:‎‎1. The immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai if there is no lawful and compelling judicial basis for his continued detention.‎‎2. Immediate access to qualified medical personnel and appropriate healthcare, with his health and well-being treated as a matter of utmost priority.‎‎3. Strict adherence to constitutional safeguards, including the rights to fair hearing, access to legal representation, bail where applicable, and due process.‎‎4. The immediate release of Professor Bello Abubakar, Mallam El-Rufai’s personal physician, if his continued detention is not supported by a lawful court order or valid legal grounds.‎‎5. An end to all actions capable of creating the perception that state institutions are being used for political persecution, intimidation, or selective justice.‎‎6. Transparency and accountability in all investigations and prosecutions involving public officials, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.‎‎UAD believes that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on their independence, impartiality, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law. The fight against corruption cannot be won by undermining the very constitutional principles that democracy is built upon.‎‎We reiterate that justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The government must ensure that every Nigerian, including former public officials, receives equal protection under the law.‎‎Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term Governor of Kaduna State, is entitled to the same constitutional protections as every other Nigerian. Political differences or allegations of wrongdoing cannot, in themselves, justify the denial of fundamental rights.‎‎UAD therefore calls on the Federal Government, security agencies, prosecuting authorities, and all relevant institutions to act responsibly and within the ambit of the law. We urge them to ensure that the rights and dignity of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and all persons in detention are fully protected.‎‎We also call on democratic forces, civil society organisations, professional bodies, the media, and all Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to demand accountability from the current ruinous hegemony.‎‎UAD will continue to fight against all oppression and any inkling of stamping on the democracy our Comrades and people fought for and won!!‎‎‎‎‎Signed,‎Kunle Wizeman Ajayi,‎General Secretary.‎24th July, 2026.