A fresh wave of political drama has engulfed Nigeria as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai publicly claimed that he faces imminent arrest, detention, and torture at the hands of his political opponents.

El-Rufai’s accusations, which he says echo the treatment reportedly meted out to former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, have ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised concerns about the escalating nature of political rivalries.

The allegations and counter-allegations are contributing to a climate of suspicion and deepening divisions within the Nigerian political sphere.

El-Rufai’s claims surfaced after a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) warned him about a potential arrest upon his return to Nigeria.

His response was defiant: “I’ve been hearing these rumors of arrest, detention and torture since July 2024.”

He emphasized his resolve to return to Nigeria, even cutting short his academic pursuits, to directly confront those he believes are behind the threats.

These accusations have emerged amid heightened tensions between El-Rufai and the current National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Their relationship has been strained by conflicting narratives surrounding past corruption allegations against President Bola Tinubu, adding another layer of complexity to the already charged political atmosphere.

The former governor has broadened his allegations, suggesting that his friends and family are also being targeted, a tactic he interprets as a calculated effort to force him into exile. He portrays this as part of a larger pattern of intimidation against perceived political enemies.
El-Rufai has used social media to amplify his message, recently declaring, “Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option.”

He has publicly announced his intention to attend the launch of former President IBB’s memoirs on February 20, signaling his intention to remain a visible figure in the political landscape.