The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience.”
The party made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the end of its 101st National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting.
In a communiqué signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said its NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution.
The party said El-Rufai’s continued detention was unacceptable and called for his freedom without further delay.
“The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated.
El-Rufai, a former governor and key political figure, has recently been linked with opposition moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His situation is expected to generate fresh political debate, especially as opposition parties continue efforts to build alliances against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
A prisoner of conscience is generally regarded as a person detained or punished over peaceful political, religious, or personal beliefs without promoting violence.
Apart from the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the ADC NEC also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections across the country.
According to the communiqué, the party approved results of primaries conducted for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential contests.
However, the approval did not cover primaries with pending appeals as of May 29, 2026, or contests yet to be concluded.
The party said disputes arising from the primaries would be handled through its internal appeal mechanisms.
The NEC also approved a 12-month extension for the party’s National Working Committee, NWC.
The extension means the current leadership will remain in office for another year as the ADC prepares for the 2027 elections.
The party said the decision was taken to ensure stability and continuity at a critical period in its political preparations.
The NEC further approved the setting up of caretaker committees at zonal, state, local government and ward levels for 12 months.
The move is expected to help the party strengthen its grassroots structures nationwide.
The meeting came shortly after the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to remain united and focused.
Mark said Nigerians were looking for a credible political alternative capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges.
With the extension of its leadership structure and ratification of most primary results, the ADC appears to be positioning itself for a major role in the 2027 elections.
But its demand for El-Rufai’s release is likely to dominate political conversations in the days ahead.
