Moses Adeniyi
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that he may soon be arrested by federal authorities, claiming that recent detentions of his associates point to a widening clampdown on opposition figures in the country.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, El-Rufai said four of his former political allies in Kaduna State had already been arrested, raising concerns that he could be the next target of law enforcement agencies.
“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it is only a matter of time before they come for me too,” the former governor stated.
Although he confirmed that he had not been arrested at the time of the interview, El-Rufai argued that the arrests of his associates suggest growing political pressure on opposition politicians.
He further alleged that some politicians were being compelled to either defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain loyal to the party to avoid political persecution.
According to him, the prevailing political atmosphere was forcing political actors to make choices based on survival rather than ideological conviction.
Mounting Political Tensions
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for two consecutive terms under the APC platform between 2015 and 2023, recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Since leaving the ruling party, he has intensified criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC leadership.
His remarks come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused Malami of alleged abuse of office and money laundering. The Department of State Services (DSS) later rearrested him over fresh allegations bordering on terrorism financing.
Malami, who also recently defected to the ADC and is reportedly preparing to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in 2027, has denied all allegations. He described the charges against him as politically motivated and linked to his defection from the APC.
Government Mum
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor the APC had issued an official response to El-Rufai’s allegations or claims of political intimidation.
Political observers note that the developments could heighten tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as defections and political realignments continue to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
El-Rufai is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political space, having previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Known for his reform-driven and often controversial governance style, El-Rufai later emerged as a key founding member of the APC.
During his tenure as Kaduna State governor, he implemented wide-ranging reforms in education, civil service restructuring, and infrastructure development, although his administration also faced criticism over security challenges and labour disputes. Allegations of terrorism sponsorship have also been levelled against him in some quarters, which formed one of the grounds staged against his confirmation as a minister by the Senate at the onset of the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
His recent defection to the ADC is widely seen as part of broader political realignments ahead of future elections.