- Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai declared that the political effort to remove the administration of Bola Tinubu had “just begun”, alleging those in power were unsettled by his return
- He reportedly resisted an attempt by security operatives to detain him at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after arriving from Cairo, with his legal team condemning the move as unconstitutional
- El-Rufai denied any personal rift with Tinubu, referenced Muhammadu Buhari over a prior power-rotation understanding, and signalled he would remain active in opposition politics
Former Nasir El-Rufai has declared that the political struggle to unseat Nigeria’s current administration has “just begun”, alleging that those in power are unsettled by his return to the country.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Friday, the former governor of Kaduna State suggested that recent scrutiny surrounding him and alleged attempts to obstruct his movements were politically motivated.
“You know, when that government came, I was among the few people who came out and said we would oppose it and remove it. There was nothing I did not say,” he stated.
El-Rufai dismissed insinuations of wrongdoing, insisting that no credible case exists against him. “If they had anything against me like they claim to have against others, the matter would have long been settled. But even if you want to accuse me, make sure you prove the accusation. I am waiting; whoever invites me, I will go,” he said.
His remarks follow a tense incident on Thursday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where security operatives reportedly attempted to detain him shortly after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt. According to his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai declined to accompany the agents without a formal invitation or warrant, which he said was not presented.
Security personnel were alleged to have seized his international passport during the encounter before later withdrawing. El-Rufai’s legal team has condemned the attempted arrest as unconstitutional, describing it as executive overreach and a violation of his fundamental rights.
Addressing speculation about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, El-Rufai denied any personal dispute. He maintained that their differences stem from diverging political objectives rather than animosity.
He also referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that an internal arrangement within the ruling party had envisaged a rotation of power to the South-West following Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
While ruling out any immediate electoral ambition, El-Rufai signalled that he would remain active in opposition politics. “Since I contributed to bringing them into power, I must also contribute to removing them,” he said, adding that he felt energised by the unfolding political contest.
His comments point to an intensifying political climate as opposition figures begin to reposition themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.