Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has dismissed rumors of his impending arrest, asserting that he will not seek exile despite alleged threats from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
El-Rufai, who has been embroiled in a political tussle with the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that he remains undeterred by any intimidation tactics.
El-Rufai Responds to Alleged Arrest Plot
Reacting to a post by an X user, Imran Wakili, regarding a supposed plan to arrest him, El-Rufai confirmed he would return to Nigeria from Egypt before February 20, 2025.
He stated:
“I have been hearing these same rumours of arrest, detention and torture in some dungeon in the NSA’s office (where Emefiele was allegedly tortured to resign as CBN governor) since July 2024 when the so-called report of the Kaduna Assembly began circulating.
“They freaked out when we challenged the legality of the premeditated defamation and went to every length to compromise the judicial process, and this is continuing at the Court of Appeal.
“They have sent such similar messages of intimidation and threats through many of my friends, family and political associates because they want me to go on self-imposed exile. I will not.”
El-Rufai Defiant Against Political Pressure
El-Rufai further disclosed that he had paused his academic and language-learning plans to focus more on Nigeria’s political affairs, stating that “silence is no longer golden.”
“The arrest, detention and torture of perceived political enemies are nothing new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained thrice in the past for expressing my views of previous governments.
“There is always a morning after the arrest or detention or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it is when Allah destines it, and it is ultimately the date of every human.”
El-Rufai also confirmed that he plans to return to attend the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida (IBB)’s memoirs on February 20.
“For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of former President IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for February 20.
“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst.”
El-Rufai’s Political Journey and Fallout with APC
El-Rufai was a key figure in securing the APC presidential ticket for a southern candidate in the 2023 general elections, advocating for Bola Tinubu over northern aspirants like former Senate President Ahmad Lawan and ex-Jigawa State Governor Mohammed Badaru.
Despite being instrumental in Tinubu’s victory, El-Rufai later clashed with the ruling party’s power brokers, leading to his rejection by the Senate during the ministerial screening process in August 2023. The Department of State Services (DSS) cited security concerns as a reason for his rejection.
Since then, El-Rufai has remained distant from APC leadership and has not been seen at gatherings of party chieftains or near Aso Rock.
Political Tensions Continue
El-Rufai’s defiant stance adds another layer to the growing political tensions within the APC and the Tinubu administration. His refusal to go on exile signals a potential showdown with the government as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve.
