The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged for the prompt release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom they regard as a “prisoner of conscience.”
This resolution was one of the significant outcomes of the party’s 101st NEC meeting held in Abuja on Saturday. The meeting also ratified recent primary election results and approved key organizational reforms in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
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In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the NEC unanimously acknowledged El-Rufai as someone who is politically persecuted and demanded he be freed.
“The NEC recognizes Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the statement indicated.
This declaration is likely to escalate political discourse regarding El-Rufai’s situation, especially given his increasing connections with opposition factions aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming elections.
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Typically, a prisoner of conscience refers to someone detained or punished due to their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression without promoting or engaging in violence.
In addition to advocating for El-Rufai’s release, the ADC aimed at fortifying its internal frameworks for future elections.
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The communiqué revealed that the NEC approved the results of recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, gubernatorial, and presidential elections across the country. However, results with pending appeals as of May 29, 2026, as well as those primaries that are still ongoing, were not included in this approval.
The announcement came in light of various complaints and petitions from some candidates about the primary election processes in certain states. Party leaders emphasized the necessity of upholding internal democracy while addressing disputes through the proper party channels.
Moreover, the NEC sanctioned a 12-month extension of the tenure for the National Working Committee (NWC) to maintain leadership during this crucial phase leading up to the 2027 elections.
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“The NEC has approved the extension of the National Working Committee (NWC) for 12 months beginning from the end of their current term,” the communiqué stated.
This extension aims to provide continuity in leadership as the party seeks to strengthen its operations, grow membership, and assert itself as a formidable opposition entity.
Additionally, the NEC approved the formation of caretaker committees at zonal, state, local government, and ward levels for a duration of one year. “The NEC has sanctioned the establishment of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government, and Wards for a period of 12 months,” the statement concluded.
