The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has petitioned the Nigerian Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) over the alleged illegal arrest and detention of some of its members and supporters in Kebbi State.
The party is also seeking the intervention of Amnesty International, saying the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests require independent examination to determine whether due process was followed.
The Kebbi ADC Caucus in the National Assembly raised the concerns at a press conference in Abuja, organised in collaboration with the party’s Kebbi State executive led by its chairman, Safiyanu Bala.
ADC Seeks Investigation Into Police Conduct
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South, said the ADC was not opposed to legitimate police investigations or the enforcement of the law.
He, however, said the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests had raised concerns about the exercise of police powers and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Maidoki stressed that ADC membership should not shield anyone from investigation where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing. At the same time, he argued that political affiliation should not be treated as evidence of criminality or used as a basis for depriving anyone of their liberty.
He said any allegations against party members should be investigated through lawful procedures, with affected persons afforded the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
The senator disclosed that the party would formally petition the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police over the conduct of some officers allegedly involved in the matter.
According to him, the investigation should establish whether the officers acted within the law, police regulations and professional standards.
The ADC also wants allegations of political interference, arbitrary detention, unlawful instructions and other forms of improper conduct examined.
Party Appeals to Judiciary
Maidoki appealed to the judiciary to exercise caution and independence whenever applications affecting the liberty of citizens are brought before the courts.
“We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the judiciary to exercise the highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny, independence and fidelity to the law whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought.”
He said the judiciary should continue to serve as an independent safeguard for citizens’ rights, irrespective of their political affiliation.
The senator further called on the Inspector-General of Police to examine the cases presented by the party and take appropriate action where necessary.
ADC To Approach Amnesty International
Beyond the police and PSC petitions, the ADC said it would bring the cases to the attention of Amnesty International.
Maidoki said the move was particularly in response to allegations that police powers may have been used excessively or arbitrarily against opposition members and supporters.
“Where citizens are detained or subjected to criminal proceedings in circumstances suggesting that their political activities may have influenced the actions taken against them; such allegations raise legitimate human rights and democratic concerns.”
The party called for an end to any arrest, detention or prosecution that is carried out for the purpose of intimidating citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities.
It also urged authorities to ensure that any ADC member or supporter currently in custody is treated in accordance with the law, including being informed of the reason for arrest, having access to legal representation and being brought before a competent court where required.
ADC Urges Members To Remain Calm
Maidoki also appealed to the Kebbi State Government and other relevant institutions to ensure that public institutions and government agencies were not used to intimidate citizens because of their political choices.
He urged ADC members and supporters in the state to remain calm and pursue the matter through legal and institutional channels.
The senator warned party members against retaliatory action, stressing that any provocation should not result in violence or unlawful responses.
“We therefore call on the relevant institutions to give these concerns the attention they deserve and we urge all parties to ensure that the rights and dignity of every citizen are protected, regardless of political affiliation.”
Kebbi ADC Chairman Speaks
The Kebbi State ADC chairman, Safiyanu Bala, said the party regarded the allegations of unlawful detention as a serious matter because of their implications for fundamental rights, due process and the rule of law.
Bala said the issue should not be viewed merely as a dispute between political parties or individuals.
“Our concern is not about political affiliation. It is about the principles that should govern a democratic society and protect every citizen, regardless of party, status or political persuasion.”
He said the party had brought the matter before the relevant authorities to present its concerns and seek appropriate action.
Development Comes Ahead of 2027 Elections
The allegations come as the ADC continues to expand its political structure in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is the party’s governorship candidate in the state, while Senator Garba Maidoki is among the party’s political figures involved in its preparations for the 2027 National Assembly elections.
The development has also attracted a response from the Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which rejected Maidoki’s allegations of politically motivated arrests and challenged the ADC to provide concrete evidence supporting its claims.
The APC’s response means the allegations remain contested, with the ADC seeking formal investigations by the relevant institutions to establish whether the arrests and subsequent proceedings complied with the law.
The matter is therefore expected to be determined through the police, PSC and judicial processes as the parties continue their preparations for the 2027 elections.
