- As a former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), el-Rufai has become a vocal critic of the Tinubu government.
- Although he was nominated as a minister by President Tinubu, the senate withheld his confirmation in August 2023, citing security concerns.
Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna, has revealed that he’s been aware of rumors surrounding his potential arrest.
El-Rufai has been engaged in a heated exchange with some members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The situation escalated after el-Rufai criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for deviating from its core principles.
In a post published via X on Tuesday, el-Rufai stated that his adversaries aim to force him into exile.
He responded to a post from X user Imran Wakili, disclosing his current location in Egypt and announcing his plan to return to Nigeria before February 20.
“I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before,” el-Rufai said.
“They have sent such 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 of 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. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst.”
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY. WHAT WILL BE WILL BE:
Dear Imran @IU_Wakilii
Your post below refers. I have been hearing these same rumors of arrest, detention and torture in some dungeon in the NSA’s office (where Emefiele was allegedly tortured to resign as CBN governor), since July… https://t.co/wrvlL6nqpM
— Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai (@elrufai) February 11, 2025
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