Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that he may soon be arrested by the Federal Government, claiming that recent developments suggest he could be the next target in what he described as growing political intimidation against opposition figures.
El-Rufai made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, where he expressed concern over what he said was increasing pressure on politicians who are no longer aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former governor, who recently defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said some of his close associates had already been detained.
“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.
Although he confirmed that he had not been arrested, El-Rufai suggested that the detention of his associates was a signal that he could also face similar action.
El-Rufai further alleged that politicians are being pressured to either defect to the APC or remain within the ruling party, describing the current political environment as one driven by fear rather than conviction.
According to him, decisions by political actors are increasingly influenced by survival instincts instead of ideological alignment.
The former governor, who served two terms under the APC platform, has in recent months intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the party.
His comments come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Malami of offences including abuse of office and money laundering. Authorities later rearrested him over fresh allegations related to terrorism financing.
Malami, who is also reported to have defected from the APC to the ADC, has denied all allegations, describing the charges as a “political witch-hunt” linked to his defection and opposition stance.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor the APC had issued an official response to El-Rufai’s claims.
The situation adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly as alignments and realignments intensify ahead of future electoral contests.
