Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has dismissed rumours that he may be arrested and detained upon his return to Nigeria. In a post on X, El-Rufai said he has heard rumours of his potential arrest but has no intention of going into exile.
The rumours of El-Rufai’s potential arrest are linked to his recent criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency.
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, has accused the party of lacking internal democracy. He said, for example, that the party’s organs have not met in the past two years as evidence of this.
Facing Persecution Head-On
El-Rufai, who is currently in Egypt, said he plans to return to Nigeria before February 20. “I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before,” El-Rufai wrote.
“They have sent 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 have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option.”
“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 about 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.”
“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 Pres IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for 20th February.”
“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah, and we always hope for the best but plan for the worst.”
The former governor believes that his adversaries are trying to force him out of the country, but he remains resolute. “Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option,” he said.
El-Rufai noted that he has been arrested and detained three times in the past for expressing his views about previous governments. However, he stressed that “there is always a morning after the arrest or detention or torture, and political life continues.”
Political Realignment Ahead of 2027
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015-2023 and is a founding member of the ruling APC, is currently involved in a face-off with supporters of President Bola Tinubu and members of the president’s inner circle.
The former governor has also been seen interacting with members of the opposition, leading to speculation that he may be part of a seismic shift among politicians to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Among the political figures gathering are former President Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria’s longest-serving president), Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and maverick politician, Peter Obi – still credited with winning the 2023 election by his supporters, but denied by the establishment.
El-Rufai’s decision to return to Nigeria demonstrates his ability to navigate the challenges ahead. The weeks and months ahead will prove his mettle.
Opposition politicians accuse President Bola Tinubu of plunging the country deeper into economic turbulence and worsening poverty. They also accuse him of nepotism, favouring only his section of the country, irrespective of merit, allegations the presidency vigorously denies.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
