The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience” and victim of political persecution, Punch reports.
The resolution was part of a communiqué issued after the ADC’s 101st NEC meeting in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the communiqué stated: “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release.”
The NEC also ratified results of the party’s recently concluded primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections — excluding contests with pending appeals as of May 29, 2026, and primaries yet to be concluded.
To strengthen its structures ahead of 2027, the NEC approved a 12-month extension of the National Working Committee’s tenure and constituted caretaker committees at zonal, state, local government and ward levels for one year. National Chairman Senator David Mark had earlier urged members to present the ADC as a credible alternative amid Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
The demand for El-Rufai’s release is expected to intensify political debate given his prominence and recent ties to opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling APC. A prisoner of conscience is defined as someone detained for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression without using or promoting violence.
Below is the Communique released at the end of the NEC Meeting
CONCLUSIONS OF THE 101ST MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC)
- 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.
- NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure.
- NEC approved the constitution of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Wards for a period of 12 months.
- The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release.
