The National Executive Committee (NEC) 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.”
The call was part of resolutions reached at the party’s 101st NEC meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where leaders also endorsed the outcomes of recent primaries and approved key internal restructuring measures as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the NEC stated that El-Rufai should be released without delay, insisting he has been subjected to political persecution.
The party said the NEC collectively recognised him as a “prisoner of conscience” and called for his freedom, a declaration expected to stir further political debate given his prominence and involvement in national opposition politics.
Beyond the resolution on El-Rufai, the NEC also reviewed the party’s internal preparations for the next election cycle, including the ratification of its recently concluded primaries.
According to the communiqué, the approval covers candidates for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship, and presidential tickets, except in cases where appeals are still pending or primaries remain incomplete as of May 29, 2026.
The party noted that the decision followed concerns and petitions raised by aspirants in some states, stressing the need to balance internal democracy with due process in resolving disputes.
The NEC also approved a 12-month extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC), allowing the current leadership to remain in office through a critical period leading up to the 2027 elections.
In addition, the committee endorsed the creation of caretaker structures at the zonal, state, local government, and ward levels for one year, a move aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots organisation nationwide.
Party leaders said the restructuring was necessary to consolidate internal cohesion, expand membership, and improve readiness for upcoming electoral contests.
The meeting also followed remarks by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, who urged members to remain united and committed to positioning the ADC as a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking political change.
With these decisions, the ADC says it is repositioning itself for a stronger showing in 2027, while its demand for El-Rufai’s release adds a new layer of political tension to the evolving national landscape.