The National Executive Committee, NEC, of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has declared former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State a prisoner of conscience, in his prolonged detention.

The ADC, therefore, demanded the immediate release of El-Rufai and the restoration of his freedoms.

A member of the ADC, Lauretta Onochie, pointed out that "the demand that Nasir El-Rufai abandons politics as a condition for his freedom, strikes at the very heart of constitutional democracy." She asserted that freedom of association is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen, and no individual should be compelled to surrender that right in exchange for liberty.

According to Onochie, "it is for this reason that the National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was right to recognize Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and to call for his immediate release.

"Political beliefs, affiliations, and participation in lawful democratic activities, must never become grounds for persecution, intimidation, or detention.

"Democracy thrives when citizens are free to choose their political associations without fear of punishment.

"Any attempt to criminalise political participation undermines the rule of law, weakens democratic institutions, and threatens the liberties of all Nigerians."

Onochie, accordingly, declared: "The ADC stands firmly on the side of justice, constitutionalism, and democratic freedom.

"We, therefore, join the call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and reaffirm that no Nigerian should be denied freedom for exercising constitutionally protected political rights."