ADC calls El-Rufai prisoner of conscience and demands his release while approving leadership extensions and primary election results

The African Democratic Congress on Saturday described former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, as a “prisoner of conscience” and called for his release, while approving a series of organisational measures aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The resolutions were reached during the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where leaders also ratified most of the outcomes of recent primary elections and extended the tenure of key party structures.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution.

“The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated.

The ADC Calls El-Rufai Prisoner of Conscience resolution is expected to intensify political discussions surrounding the former governor, who remains a prominent figure in national politics and has recently been linked with opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

Beyond the El-Rufai resolution, the NEC approved the results of recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections across the country.

The approval excluded contests where appeals were still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries that had not yet been concluded.

“NEC approved the results of all recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, State Governors, and the Presidential elections; except those with pending appeals as at May 29, 2026, and those yet to be concluded,” the communiqué stated.

The decision comes amid complaints and petitions from some aspirants over the conduct of primaries in parts of the country.

Party leaders at the meeting stressed the importance of maintaining internal democracy while ensuring that disputes arising from the nomination process are resolved through established mechanisms.

In another significant decision, the NEC approved a 12-month extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee, allowing the current leadership to remain in office through a critical phase of preparations for the next general election.

“NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure,” the communiqué added.

The extension is expected to provide continuity as the party seeks to consolidate its structures, expand membership and strengthen its national presence.

The NEC also approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a one-year period.

According to the communiqué, the move is intended to reinforce grassroots structures and improve party organisation across the federation.

The meeting came hours after National Chairman David Mark urged members to remain united and focused on presenting the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians.

Mark said many Nigerians were searching for a political platform capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges and urged party members to rise to that responsibility.

Also read: El-Rufai Supporters Protest Alleged Harsh Detention

With the ratification of most primary election results, the extension of leadership tenures and renewed efforts to strengthen its organisational framework, the ADC appears determined to position itself for an increasingly competitive political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.