ADC: Opposition in name, silence in action — by Imran Wakili

It is truly disheartening what Nigeria is turning into right before our very eyes. Personally, as a supporter and true believer in Mallam Nasir El Rufai, I have boasted times without number that the government cannot arrest Mallam Nasir El Rufai. Not because I think Mallam is bigger than the government, but because I know about his incorruptible character, deep rooted integrity, and the belief that if he did not do anything wrong, and everything is being done lawfully, they cannot pin anything on him as there is simply nothing to pin.

My confidence has never been built on blind loyalty. It has always been built on the conviction that if a man’s hands are clean, no amount of political intimidation can manufacture guilt where there is none. That is why this entire situation is shocking and deeply troubling.

Also bearing in mind that there is a formidable opposition, which Mallam belongs to, it must not allow such injustice! It is surprising that Mallam has been under detention unlawfully for nine days without any charge against him and without any explanation to either his lawyers or to the public as to why he is being kept for that long. The lawful time anyone can be kept without charge is 48 hours. Today makes it nine days. Nine days of silence. Nine days without formal charges. Nine days without clarity.

And this is in spite of the fact that Mallam presented himself voluntarily. In fact, he was abroad but chose to return to honour the invitation. That alone speaks volumes. A man who intends to evade justice does not walk back into the country on his own. He did not resist arrest. He did not hide. He showed up believing that due process would be followed.

Sadly, the ADC, a party which he belongs to, did not feel the need to make any strong public statement. Nor have any opposition leaders stepped forward publicly in any meaningful way. Their silence is deafening and it is well noted. They all seem very relaxed about it, almost indifferent. This makes one wonder whether Mallam was shaking hands with sharks without even knowing.

What kind of opposition is this? Is this how they intend to win elections? Is this the energy with which they hope to challenge an incumbent government? You have the one person who can speak and the whole nation pauses—a man whose voice commands attention across political divides unjustly detained, and you are sitting back doing nothing, playing into the hands of the government.

And tomorrow, if Mallam makes his way out, many of you will be visiting his house one after the other in the name of solidarity. You will take pictures. You will issue statements. But where was that solidarity when it truly mattered? Is your solidarity for only when it is convenient?

I would understand the silence if he was guilty of anything. I would understand caution if there were clear charges backed by evidence. But today is day nine in custody and there is nothing publicly presented to justify this prolonged custody.

I am not a registered member of the ADC but as a concerned Nigerian who is truly sympathizing with the opposition, and hoping that they will bring meaningful change to this country, this is deeply disappointing. Opposition is not just about contesting elections. It is about defending democratic principles, protecting your own, and standing firm against perceived injustice especially when due process appears to be ignored.

The opposition that defeated the incumbent in 2015 was not this reluctant and relaxed. They were their brothers’ keepers. They had each other’s backs. They understood that unity, courage, and visible solidarity were necessary.

If this is the new posture of opposition politics then they must honestly ask themselves if they are truly ready for the responsibility they claim to seek!