The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of allegedly turning anti corruption agencies into instruments of political intimidation following the legal dispute involving Aichatou El Rufai and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement on Saturday, the opposition party described the pre action notice reportedly issued by Aichatou El Rufai against the ICPC as another sign of what it called the growing politicisation of anti corruption institutions under the current administration.
The party argued that anti graft agencies are expected to operate within the bounds of the law and not engage in what it termed “careless public communication” capable of damaging reputations without due judicial process.
According to the ADC, public confidence in anti corruption institutions is gradually eroding because many Nigerians now perceive such agencies as tools for targeting political opponents rather than impartial institutions of justice.
The party maintained that where credible evidence exists against any individual, the proper course of action should be prosecution in court instead of media trials and public embarrassment.
ADC further alleged that the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress were increasingly using state institutions to pressure opposition figures and their associates through public accusations and investigations.
The opposition party warned that such actions could undermine democratic values and weaken public trust in the rule of law ahead of the 2027 general election.
It also stated that the reported N2 billion damages being sought by Aichatou El Rufai should compel the ICPC to either substantiate its claims through legal proceedings or accept responsibility for any defamatory conduct.
The ADC added that the conduct of public institutions, respect for due process and treatment of opposition voices would remain major issues in the political calculations leading to the 2027 elections.
The ICPC is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised in the statement.
