FG May Move Against Me Soon, Says El-Rufai, Alleges Political Intimidation

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised the alarm that he may soon be arrested by the Federal Government, citing what he described as a pattern of political intimidation against opposition figures.

El-Rufai made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, saying recent actions taken against some of his associates suggest he could be the next target.

According to him, at least four individuals who worked closely with him during his time in Kaduna State have already been arrested by authorities.

He said, “Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; it is only a matter of time before they come for me too,” adding that although he has not yet been detained, the trend is worrisome.

The former governor, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alleged that increasing pressure is being mounted on politicians to either remain in or return to the ruling party.

He argued that the prevailing political atmosphere is forcing many actors to take decisions based on survival rather than personal conviction.

El-Rufai has in recent weeks stepped up criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the APC following his defection.

His comments come amid the arrest and ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations including abuse of office and money laundering. Malami was later rearrested over additional claims bordering on terrorism financing.

Malami, who is also reported to have moved from the APC to the ADC, has denied the allegations, describing the charges as politically motivated and linked to his opposition stance.

As at press time, neither the Federal Government nor the APC had issued an official response to El-Rufai’s allegations.