Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has raised alarms over a potential plot by the federal government to arrest him upon his return to Nigeria.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on February 11, 2026, El-Rufai claimed that four of his close associates have already been detained, signaling that he may be next.
He described the actions as politically motivated, aimed at silencing critics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration under President Bola Tinubu.
El-Rufai, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that security operatives are targeting opposition figures using state institutions.
“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested, so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.
The former governor, who has intensified his criticism of the government, suggested that the arrests are part of a broader effort to harass perceived critics and suppress dissent.
The allegations come amid rising political tension in Nigeria, with El-Rufai’s lawyers issuing a statement condemning what they called “illegal attempts” to detain him on trumped-up charges.
He emphasized that such actions disregard the rule of law and constitutional safeguards. The situation has drawn attention to executive overreach, with calls for the government to respect democratic principles.
El-Rufai’s defection and outspoken stance have positioned him as a key opposition voice ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The former governor, who has intensified his criticism of the government, suggested that the arrests are part of a broader effort to harass perceived critics, as seen in his earlier statement on APC not ruling forever in 2027.”
Analysts view the developments as indicative of efforts to weaken potential challengers. The government has not responded directly to the claims, but security agencies continue investigations into El-Rufai’s governance from 2015 to 2023, which he insists are baseless.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about political freedom in Nigeria, with implications for the country’s democratic landscape.
The situation has escalated with El-Rufai filing an N1bn suit against ICPC over residence invasion.