Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has firmly rejected accusations of corruption during his time in office, insisting he is innocent. El-Rufai, who served as the governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, expressed his willingness to swear by the Holy Quran to prove that he did not engage in any corrupt activities while in power.
In an interview aired on Freedom Radio Kaduna on Tuesday, the former governor emphasized his commitment to public service and announced his intention to return to politics in 2027. “I intend to return to politics in 2027 after completing my studies. There is no retirement in politics. By the will of Allah, we will return and continue serving the people,” El-Rufai stated.
El-Rufai also defended his administration against the accusations of misappropriating funds, claiming that the charges are without merit. He expressed his confidence in his integrity, declaring, “I didn’t join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.” He challenged both his predecessors and current leaders to take the same oath, swearing by the Quran to prove their innocence.
The allegations against El-Rufai stem from claims made by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which reported that N423 billion was either stolen or mismanaged during his tenure. In response, El-Rufai asserted that the accusations are politically motivated, as his administration and close associates are being targeted by agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He further commented on the ongoing legal actions regarding these accusations, stating that he has left the matter in Allah’s hands. “I have left everything to Allah’s judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue,” he said. Nonetheless, the former governor revealed that his legal team is pursuing action against those responsible for damaging his reputation.
The investigation into El-Rufai’s administration began when the Kaduna State House of Assembly formed a 13-member panel in April 2024 to look into the finances, loans, and contracts handled under his government. This inquiry, led by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma, resulted in a report indicting El-Rufai and some of his former aides for allegedly siphoning off state funds.
In June 2024, El-Rufai filed a lawsuit seeking to quash the Assembly’s report. The case has been adjourned until July 17, 2024, for a hearing. Meanwhile, the current Kaduna governor, Uba Sani, has expressed concern over the financial situation he inherited from El-Rufai’s administration, citing a significant debt burden.
Despite these challenges, El-Rufai remains committed to public service, noting that one does not need to hold an official position to serve the people. “We are still working with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to serve the people, not those seeking to enrich themselves,” he remarked.
As the legal battle continues, El-Rufai has vowed to return to the political stage in 2027, reinforcing his belief that politics is a lifelong
journey.
