Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be considering his arrest amid escalating political tensions.
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa. He suggested that the current administration is mounting pressure on opposition figures and dissenting voices within the political space.
Although he stated that he has not been arrested, the former governor disclosed that several of his associates have already been taken into custody.
“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 was quoted as saying.
El-Rufai’s comments underscore the growing rift between him and the ruling party, under which he served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years. In recent months, he has been increasingly critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the direction of the APC.
He further alleged that politicians across the country are being pressured to either defect to the ruling party or remain aligned with it. According to him, the alleged moves are part of a broader political strategy aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of future elections.
The claims come against the backdrop of the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Malami with offences including abuse of office and money laundering.
Authorities later rearrested the former minister, accusing him of involvement in terrorism financing. Malami, who has also defected from the APC to the ADC and is seen as a prominent opposition figure, has denied the allegations, insisting that the charges are politically motivated.
The Federal Government and the APC have yet to respond publicly to El-Rufai’s latest claims.
