There are mounting concerns within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the detention of two prominent party figures — former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Party sources say the legal troubles facing both men have unsettled members and could disrupt coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Insiders described their detention as a significant setback for the opposition bloc.
Malami’s legal battles
Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently standing trial over alleged money laundering amounting to N8.7bn.
In December 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. They face 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, procurement, concealment, and laundering of proceeds of unlawful activities under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
On January 19, Malami was re-arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after being granted bail from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he had been remanded. After spending 14 days in DSS custody, he and his son were subsequently charged on February 3 with five counts related to alleged terrorism and firearms offences.
These fresh charges add to Malami’s expanding legal challenges, which include ongoing money-laundering proceedings and a separate asset-forfeiture case before the Federal High Court.
El-Rufai’s ordeal
El-Rufai, on his part, is facing investigations by the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the DSS.
The former governor was detained by the EFCC on Monday and released on Wednesday evening, only to be immediately re-arrested by the ICPC. He remains in the commission’s custody.
He is standing trial over allegations that he intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The charges, filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, list the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant.
ADC raises alarm
Speaking on the development, ADC leaders expressed fears that the arrests could destabilise the party’s structure and weaken its momentum ahead of 2027.
Kogi State ADC Chairman, Kingsley Ogga, described Malami and El-Rufai as critical pillars of the party whose absence would significantly affect its electoral plans. He alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was targeting key opposition figures out of political anxiety.
According to him, the arrests have created apprehension among both party members and prospective defectors, with some politicians allegedly withdrawing from coalition talks over fears of investigation by anti-graft agencies.
Similarly, a zonal ADC chairman, who spoke anonymously, described El-Rufai as one of the opposition’s most formidable voices, warning that prolonged legal distractions could weaken the party’s political engagement.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also criticised the arrests, alleging a broader pattern of political pressure aimed at undermining the opposition. He warned that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s multiparty democracy but insisted the party would not be intimidated.
Despite the situation, ADC Chairman in Kebbi State, Bala Sufiyanu, maintained that the party remained resolute and confident of defeating the ruling party in 2027.
APC dismisses claims
The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, rejected allegations of political persecution.
Chairman of the APC North-Central Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said the investigations were purely matters of accountability and not politically motivated. He stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of party affiliation.
Zazzaga dismissed claims of a witch-hunt, arguing that other opposition leaders had not been targeted. He maintained that the cases against Malami and El-Rufai were based on actions taken while in office and insisted that if they clear themselves, they are free to continue their political careers.
He further stated that the ruling party was not threatened by the ADC and described accusations of intimidation as propaganda intended to distract from ongoing investigations.