Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has firmly denied any plans to go into self-imposed exile despite growing speculation about his possible arrest. The former governor made his stance clear while responding to social media claims about an alleged plan to detain him.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has been vocal about his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His comments have sparked speculation that he is being targeted due to the controversy surrounding his failed ministerial nomination. Some party members and political observers believe his outspokenness may have made him a target of political pressure.
Reacting to a post by X user Imran Wakili, El-Rufai dismissed claims of an impending arrest, saying such threats have been circulating since July 2024, when the Kaduna State House of Assembly released a report against him.
He wrote, “I have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold and will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before. 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 when Allah destines it, and it is ultimate the date of every human.”
El-Rufai, currently in Egypt, revealed that he will return 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,” El-Rufai said.
“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.”
