El-Rufai: ADC Leader Urges Northern Elders To Stand For Justice

Published August 25, 2026 at 8:27 AM

A former North-West National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jafar Ibrahim Sani, has called on Northern elders, political leaders and stakeholders to ensure that due process and fairness are upheld in the ongoing legal situation involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

According to a statement made available to Ireporter Online, Sani also appealed to political actors within the ADC to set aside personal and political differences and focus on ensuring justice in the former governor’s case.

Sani made the call in a statement titled “El-Rufai, The North, Our Elders and the Test of Loyalty,” in which he said the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai should prompt serious reflection on the kind of political culture being created for future generations.

The ADC chieftain expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among politicians to demonstrate loyalty when their associates are influential or in positions of power, only to distance themselves when those individuals encounter difficulties.

He noted that although Nigerians and political stakeholders may hold different opinions about El-Rufai, the former governor’s contribution to public affairs in the country cannot simply be dismissed.

Sani questioned the limited support reportedly coming from some individuals who previously maintained close political relationships with the former Kaduna governor.

He stressed that difficult times are often when genuine loyalty and principle are tested, urging those who once stood with El-Rufai not to abandon fairness because of political disagreements.

The former ADC official further appealed to Northern elders and political stakeholders to ensure that political differences do not override the principles of justice and due process.

According to him, the appropriate response to El-Rufai’s situation should be guided by the law rather than personal relationships, political interests or disagreements.

Sani maintained that if the legal process establishes that El-Rufai deserves to remain in custody, the law should take its course, but where the courts determine that he should be released, such a decision should equally be respected.

He said the ultimate concern should be ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the political affiliations or personal relationships involved.