Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Kaduna State governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has issued a stark warning about what he describes as a growing threat to Nigeria’s democratic governance, citing the increasing use of arrests and prolonged detentions without proper investigation as evidence of a drift toward “governance without accountability.” Speaking virtually from Brussels at the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue, El-Rufai condemned what he characterised as selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws and politically motivated detentions that, in his view, undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in institutions.
El-Rufai, who is currently abroad on medical grounds, delivered his remarks through a recorded video and took part in the dialogue remotely. He criticised the pervasive use of detentions without substantive evidence and what he termed “detention before investigation,” arguing that such practices have become tools of intimidation rather than justice. “The law should protect citizens, not terrify them,” he said, stressing that arbitrary arrests and prolonged incarceration without due process must end if Nigeria is to uphold democratic norms.
At the heart of El-Rufai’s critique is his assertion that the enforcement of Nigeria’s legal and anti-corruption frameworks has become uneven and politically skewed. He argued that officials aligned with the ruling establishment often evade scrutiny, while critics and political opponents are disproportionately targeted by security and law enforcement agencies. “When law enforcement is weaponised against political competitors, democracy erodes quietly but steadily,” he said, highlighting concerns that selective prosecution weakens accountability and fosters a climate of impunity for the powerful.
El-Rufai framed his assertions within a broader narrative about the current state of Nigerian governance, cautioning that the perceived politicisation of the justice system contributes to public cynicism and shrinking confidence in democratic institutions. According to him, repeated detentions and selective law enforcement contribute to widespread fear, social disillusionment and the notion that the government uses the justice system as a mechanism for political repression rather than for the equitable application of the law.
His remarks touched on the broader context of high-profile arrests and corruption investigations that have made headlines in Nigeria, including cases involving former government officials and prominent figures. El-Rufai suggested that the patterns of detention and prosecution observed in these cases reflect systemic issues that compromise the rule of law and weaken democratic safeguards. While he did not target specific cases in his address, his critique resonated with ongoing debates about the equitable application of justice across political and social divides.
El-Rufai also condemned what he termed “investigative fishing expeditions,” saying that detaining individuals without thorough investigation or clear evidence undermines judicial credibility and erodes trust in courts as impartial arbiters. He warned that such practices threaten the stability of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, noting that public faith in the judicial process is essential for the rule of law to function effectively in safeguarding rights and liberties.
The former governor linked his concerns to broader societal issues, including economic hardship, insecurity and social exclusion, which he said are exacerbated when citizens feel that their rights are not protected equally under the law. He argued that a credible anti-corruption campaign must be grounded in transparency, due process and the principle of equal application, rather than being wielded selectively in ways that appear to shield some individuals while targeting others.
El-Rufai’s intervention touches on a wider discourse within Nigeria about the perceived politicisation of state institutions, including law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. Opposition figures and civil society groups have in recent months expressed concerns that key national institutions are being leveraged for political ends, particularly in advance of the 2027 general elections. These concerns reflect persistent debates about the independence of investigative bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the extent to which political factors influence prosecutorial decisions.
In calling for reforms, El-Rufai urged political leaders, civil society, media organisations and citizens to advocate for legal and institutional changes that prioritise fairness, due process and equality before the law. He framed the issue as both a legal and moral imperative, saying that safeguarding civil liberties is essential for maintaining democratic integrity and public trust in governance.
His message concluded with an appeal for renewed commitment to democratic principles that deliver justice, accountability and protection for all citizens. “A democracy cannot endure where fear replaces accountability,” he said, underscoring the need to end unlawful detentions and ensure that Nigeria’s legal institutions serve as instruments of justice rather than tools of political intimidation.
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