Former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has expressed fears that he could be the next target of arrest by the Federal Government, citing recent political developments as warning signs.
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa, claiming that several of his close associates had already been detained. He said, “Four people we worked together in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too.”
Although he has not been arrested, El-Rufai suggested that the detentions of his colleagues signal potential action against him. He also alleged that political pressure is being applied on politicians to either remain in the APC or defect, stating that “the current political climate is forcing individuals to make decisions, not out of conviction but survival.”
El-Rufai governed Kaduna State for eight years under the APC and has recently intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ruling party’s leadership.
His concerns echo the situation surrounding former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who was arrested and is facing trial over alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and, later, terrorism financing. Malami, who also defected to the ADC and is eyeing a governorship position in Kebbi State in 2027, has denied all allegations, describing the charges as a “political witch-hunt” linked to his opposition stance.
At the time of reporting, neither the Federal Government nor the APC had responded to El-Rufai’s claims.
