February 11, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised alarm over what he describes as growing political intimidation in Nigeria, warning that he could be arrested at any moment.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, El-Rufai said the recent arrest of some of his former associates in Kaduna suggests he may be the next target.
According to him, at least four individuals who worked closely with his administration have already been detained, a development he believes signals a wider crackdown on opposition figures.
Although he confirmed that he has not been arrested, the former governor expressed strong concerns that the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly hostile to politicians outside the ruling party.
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that both subtle and direct pressure is being applied to force politicians to either remain in the ruling party or return to it.
He said the current climate is pushing many political actors to make decisions based on survival rather than personal conviction or ideology.
The former governor’s comments come amid ongoing political realignments and rising tensions ahead of future elections.
In a separate interview, El-Rufai also dismissed claims of a personal relationship with President Bola Tinubu, stating that his support for Tinubu during the 2023 election was purely based on party principles and internal agreements within the APC.
He explained that his backing of Tinubu was rooted in a long-standing understanding that power would shift to the South after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
El-Rufai further revealed that despite being considered for a ministerial role, he would not have remained in the administration due to what he described as deep differences in governance philosophy.
He maintained that his approach to public service focuses on performance, accountability, and results, adding that the current government’s style of leadership conflicts with his values.
As of the time of this report, the Federal Government has not issued any official response to El-Rufai’s allegations.
Observers say his claims have added a new layer to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, as tensions continue to grow between the ruling party and opposition figures.
