El-Rufai Alleges Plot to Arrest Him, Vows to Return to Nigeria
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has claimed that there are plans to arrest and detain him, alleging that his adversaries aim to force him into exile.
El-Rufai, who has been embroiled in a war of words with some members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, made the claim on social media on Tuesday. The former minister accused political opponents of spreading threats through his friends, family, and associates in an attempt to intimidate him.
Defiant Response to Alleged Threats
Currently in Egypt, El-Rufai responded to a social media user, Imran Wakili, regarding the alleged plot, stating that he would not be intimidated into leaving Nigeria permanently.
“I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before,” he declared, adding that he has put his academic and language-learning plans on hold. “Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option.”
El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), recalled past instances where he was arrested and detained for criticizing previous governments. He insisted that such experiences had never deterred him and would not now.
Return Date and Political Standoff
He confirmed his intention to return to Nigeria before February 20, in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs.
“For those who cannot sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return,” he stated. “We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah.”
El-Rufai, once a close ally of Tinubu, has become an outspoken critic of the current administration. His rift with the government escalated after he accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of straying from its core principles.
Ministerial Setback and Political Tensions
Although initially nominated by Tinubu for a ministerial position, El-Rufai’s confirmation was withheld by the Senate in August 2023 due to reported security concerns. Since then, he has remained on the sidelines of the administration, emerging as one of its most vocal opponents.
With his return date set and tensions high, all eyes will be on the unfolding political drama between El-Rufai and the Tinubu-led government.
