El-Rufai vows to spend more time in Nigeria amid alleged threats of arrest
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations that he plans to go into self-imposed exile, insisting that he will remain in Nigeria despite alleged threats of arrest.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Some party members and aides have attributed his stance to the fallout over his failed ministerial nomination.
Reacting on Tuesday to a post on X by user Imran Wakili who suggested that there were plans to arrest and detain him, El-Rufai dismissed the claims as part of ongoing intimidation efforts.
“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 will not,” he declared.
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The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) added that he has decided to put his academic and language-learning plans on hold to spend more time in Nigeria.
“Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option,” he wrote.
El-Rufai, who has been arrested three times in the past, stated that he is unshaken by the possibility of detention.
“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…,” he said.
Currently in Egypt, El-Rufai confirmed that he will return to Nigeria in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, scheduled for February 20, 2025.
“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,” he wrote.
