Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that there are plans by the government to destabilise the African Democratic Congress (ADC) using the judiciary.
He urged opposition members to remain vigilant and stand up against what he described as attempts to weaken the party.
Atiku made the remarks while addressing former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who was reportedly confronted by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, consequent upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.
Security agents allegedly seized el-Rufai’s passport and attempted to place him under arrest before allowing him to leave.
Speaking on the incident, Atiku condemned the actions of the security operatives, describing the development as an embarrassment not only to el-Rufai but also to nation.
“My brother, you are welcome, I hope that in spite of the trouble, you are here to enjoy the company of members of your family,” he said.
He continued, “Let me take this opportunity to strongly condem what happened today at the airport. There was no reason for that; the security agents who tried to embarrass you at the airport, have embarrassed all Nigerians. There was no reason for that, because, this is a democratic society; this is a society governed by rule of law. There was absolutely no need for them to try to kidnap at the airport. They could allow you to return to your house and then invite you.”
Atiku noted that el-Rufai had served the country in several capacities and deserved to be treated with dignity.
“You have held many positions in this countr. You were a minister; you were a governor. They could have waited for you and then invite you. By embrassing you, they have embarrassed the whole political class,” he stated.
The former vice president alleged that similar tactics previously deployed against the Peoples Democratic Party are now being directed at the ADC.
“Just as they undermined and sabotage the PDP, they have planned to undermine and sabotage the ADC by using the judiciary again. We must be alert, and we must stand up to resist the attempt to undermine the opposition; this is a very credible information. We must be at alert to ensure that the judiciary is not used to undermine the ADC,” Atiku said.
The incident at the airport has since generated reactions among political stakeholders, with concerns raised over the treatment of opposition figures and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
