Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has publicly addressed rumors of his impending arrest, alleging political intimidation by factions within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The tension stems from el-Rufai’s recent criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of abandoning its founding principles.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the ex-governor claimed his adversaries aim to pressure him into self-exile through threats.
El-Rufai, currently in Egypt, confirmed plans to return to Nigeria before February 20.
He emphasized his resolve to remain politically active, stating, “I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before.”
His remarks came in response to a user’s warning about a purported plot to detain him.
The former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister revealed that allies and family members had relayed intimidation attempts.
“Silence is no longer golden,” he declared, vowing to resist coercion.
El-Rufai also referenced past arrests under previous governments, framing his current ordeal as part of a recurring pattern of political repression.
Despite the risks, he dismissed fear of persecution or death, asserting, “We depend on no one but Allah.”
His defiant stance aligns with plans to attend the launch of former military leader Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs on February 20.
El-Rufai’s rift with the Tinubu administration deepened after the Senate withheld his ministerial confirmation in August 2023, citing unresolved security concerns. This decision followed his vocal disagreements with federal policies, positioning him as a prominent critic within the APC.
Political analysts note that el-Rufai’s confrontational approach reflects broader intra-party divisions.
His willingness to challenge federal authority, despite potential consequences, underscores Nigeria’s volatile political climate.
For context, the Senate’s rejection of his ministerial nomination marked the first time a high-profile APC figure faced such a public rebuke.
El-Rufai’s history of activism includes three prior arrests for dissent, a fact he highlighted to contextualize his current struggles. While his supporters view him as a principled reformer, critics argue his tactics risk destabilizing the APC’s unity.
As Nigeria navigates economic and security challenges, el-Rufai’s saga highlights the delicate balance between political dissent and governance.
His planned return promises to reignite debates about accountability, free speech, and the rule of law in Africa’s most populous democracy.