February 16, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Nigeria’s Presidency has launched a strong attack on former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, accusing him of deliberately trying to destabilise the country and distract attention from serious corruption allegations linked to his time in office.
In a statement issued Monday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said El-Rufai’s recent public criticisms of the Federal Government were driven by what he described as “calculated personal motives.”
According to the Presidency, the former governor is pursuing a two-pronged agenda — creating political tension nationwide while diverting public focus away from what it called his “domestic legal troubles” in Kaduna State.
“Mallam El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions,” Onanuga said.
“First, to inflame the political atmosphere through deliberate misinformation. Second, to shift attention from massive corruption allegations he is facing in Kaduna.”
The Presidency further alleged that El-Rufai is attempting to turn his local political and legal battles into a national controversy in order to gain sympathy and portray himself as a victim of political persecution.
Officials insisted his recent attacks on the administration were not rooted in genuine concerns about governance or democracy, but rather in “personal survival instincts.”
The dispute escalated after El-Rufai wrote to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu seeking clarification over reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser allegedly procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate — a highly toxic chemical substance.
In his letter dated January 30, 2026, the former governor said he was acting “as a concerned citizen,” demanding details about the purpose, import permits, storage plans, and safety measures surrounding the chemical.
He also requested information on regulatory oversight involving agencies such as the NAFDAC and the NCDC.
Thallium sulphate is known globally as an extremely toxic compound once used as a pesticide, with severe health risks including nervous system damage and death if mishandled.
The Presidency, however, dismissed El-Rufai’s move as a deliberate attempt to create fear and stir controversy, insisting that national security matters should not be politicised.
The clash signals a growing rift between the former governor — once a prominent ally of the current administration — and the Federal Government, raising concerns about escalating political tensions ahead of future electoral cycles.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as reactions unfold across Nigeria’s political landscape.
