24/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE!
"WHERE IS EL-RUFAI? HIS SILENCE AND DETENTION RAISE PAINFUL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ADC COALITION'S READINESS FOR 2027. IF THE COALITION CANNOT DEFEND ONE OF ITS OWN, WHAT HOPE IS THERE FOR 2027 BATTLE?"
-By Adams Mustapha Ojenya Media Volunteers, 24th July 2026-
I have been thinking aloud about the kind of coalition we claim to be if the current ruling party, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to act with impunity while the opposition appears unable to mount an effective response.
One of the most troubling examples, in my view, is the situation involving Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, whom I believe has been unjustly held by the ICPC since February 2026 without any meaningful action or sustained pressure from the opposition or the coalition. El-Rufai was one of the major forces behind the emergence of this ADC-led coalition, yet he is nowhere to be found at a time when fewer than six months remain before the 2027 general elections.
As far as I am concerned, if the opposition and coalition partners fail to take decisive and lawful steps to challenge what they consider injustice against one of their key figures, it raises serious questions about their preparedness for the political battles ahead. Public statements, television interviews, newspaper headlines, and social media campaigns alone are not enough. They must be matched with strategic, peaceful, and lawful political action that demonstrates unity, resolve, and seriousness of purpose.
I remember that in 2014, some prominent APC leaders reportedly made strong political threats against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Today, however, many in the opposition appear content with issuing statements while, in their view, the current administration continues unchecked. If this approach continues, there is a real concern among many supporters that the ruling party could dominate the 2027 electoral process, and the opposition may find itself reacting only after the outcome has already been declared.
The time has come for the coalition to move beyond rhetoric and adopt a coordinated, lawful, and effective strategy that reassures Nigerians it is prepared to defend democratic principles and compete seriously for power in 2027. Silence, hesitation, or disunity will only strengthen the ruling party and weaken public confidence in the opposition's ability to provide a credible alternative.
Conclusively, this is a call to action. The ADC coalition leadership must rise to the occasion and wake up from its slumber by demanding justice and calling for the immediate release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. If the opposition can not stand firmly for one of its own, it risks sending a message of weakness while emboldening the Tinubu-led administration and the APC to continue acting without fear of effective political challenge. A stitch in time saves nine. The time to act is now.
ADC! Arise & Shine
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Media Office
Abubakar Malami, SAN
Abubakar Bukola Saraki
