Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai says the attempt to detain him at Abuja’s airport on Thursday has hardened his political resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.
He claims the episode shows how far the administration of President Bola Tinubu is willing to go to silence dissent.
El-Rufai spoke during separate appearances on Arise Television and after a visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He insisted he would not be intimidated.
“The recent attempt to detain me has only strengthened my resolve to remove President Bola Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
He described the airport episode as “unfortunate, unnecessary, and possibly unlawful.”
According to him, the confrontation happened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after he returned from Cairo, Egypt.
He said that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) approached him shortly after he stepped off his flight. He said they asked him to follow them but did not present any written invitation.
“I asked for a formal letter. None was presented,” he said.
Airport Confrontation and Agency Clarifications
El-Rufai claimed the operation was carried out on behalf of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. He said dozens of operatives were present and instructed to detain him.
He insisted that if the action had been lawful, officers could have formally seized his passport or issued written directives.
“If it was lawful, they could have held my passport or given me a letter,” he stated.
He also alleged that one of his aides was assaulted when security agents tried to seize his passport. He said the presence of passengers and supporters prevented the situation from escalating further.
El-Rufai clarified that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was not involved in the airport incident. He explained that the EFCC had earlier sent him a formal invitation while he was abroad.
“My lawyers acknowledged the EFCC letter, and I intend to honour it,” he said.
His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, described the airport episode as a violation of due process. He maintained that his client is willing to cooperate with lawful investigations.
A day after the alleged incident, El-Rufai confirmed he would honour a fresh ICPC invitation scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He announced this on his verified X account.
“My legal team has confirmed my attendance,” he wrote.
Political Allegations and 2027 Calculations
Beyond the airport episode, El-Rufai accused the federal government of using security agencies for political purposes. He alleged that the ICPC acted on instructions linked to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
He warned that such actions could weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
“When security agencies are perceived as political tools, democracy is endangered,” he cautioned.
During a separate interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, he also raised concerns about a proposed U.S. congressional bill targeting former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The bill, reportedly sponsored by U.S. Representative Chris Smith and co-sponsored by Riley Moore, seeks visa restrictions and asset freezes over alleged religious persecution.
El-Rufai questioned why Kwankwaso was singled out while other northern leaders were not named.
“Is it because he refused to join the APC?” he asked.
He further suggested that political lobbying, allegedly involving “nine million dollars,” may have influenced the proposal. However, he did not present documentary evidence to support that claim.
El-Rufai urged opposition figures to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called on political actors to put aside differences and focus on what he described as restoring institutional balance.
“The opposition must come together to ensure this government is voted out,” he declared.
The 2027 elections are expected to be fiercely contested as Nigeria navigates economic reforms, subsidy removal, and currency challenges under the Tinubu administration.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
