Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigeria’s Presidency has publicly challenged former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, accusing him of disseminating misinformation intended to stir political tension, create public fear and divert attention from serious corruption allegations amounting to ₦432 billion that are the subject of ongoing anti‑graft inquiries. The sharp exchange between the federal government and the outspoken opposition figure has intensified political debate and highlighted simmering tensions over accountability, governance and political strategy ahead of upcoming elections.
In a statement released through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described Mr. El‑Rufai’s recent public correspondence and claims — including his widely circulated letter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu‑GCFR — as deliberately misleading. The Presidency asserted that these actions were aimed at “creating political tension in the country and damaging the government through deliberate misinformation”, rather than fostering constructive national discourse. It specifically refuted claims about the procurement of thallium sulphate by the Office of the NSA, saying there was no such government importation or security procurement as alleged.
According to the federal government’s response, Mr. El‑Rufai had already received an official reply from the NSA’s office addressing the matter referenced in his letter but chose not to release it publicly. The Presidency argued that withholding such a response while amplifying unverified claims suggested a calculated attempt to position himself as a victim of persecution and to engender political fear that could undermine national institutions.
The Presidency further alleged that Mr. El‑Rufai’s actions coincided with mounting scrutiny over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023). The federal government release referenced a petition endorsed by all 28 members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which reportedly urged Nigeria’s principal anti‑corruption agencies — the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — to investigate the former governor over purported mismanagement or misappropriation of state resources totalling ₦432 billion. Invitations for cooperation and questioning by these agencies have reportedly been issued, though Mr. El‑Rufai appeared to shift public focus to the thallium issue and related security allegations instead of addressing the core corruption claims.
Analysts and civil society voices have weighed in, suggesting that such political dynamics are not uncommon in Nigeria’s volatile political environment, where high‑profile figures accused of corruption may attempt to redirect narratives toward national security controversies or procedural disputes. In one instance, a civic advocacy group, the Northern Progressives Forum for Development (NPFD), explicitly accused Mr. El‑Rufai of “diversionary tactics” when he raised concerns about national security agency activities while anti‑corruption inquiries were active. The group called on him to address the corruption allegations directly before attempting to amplify unrelated disputes in public forums.
Mr. El‑Rufai’s critics, including the Presidency and allied civic groups, have characterised his strategy as an effort to nationalise personal problems — leveraging national media platforms and security controversies to deflect attention away from serious accountability issues at the state level. According to the federal government’s narrative, the tactic was designed to “damage the government through deliberate misinformation” and to exploit sensitive public issues to his political advantage.
Supporters of Mr. El‑Rufai, however, have offered a contrasting view. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the political party he joined after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned moves by security operatives alleged to have attempted to arrest or detain him, framing such actions as politically motivated intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement. In recent days ADC’s national leadership called for respect for constitutional due process, warning that any perception of selective enforcement against political adversaries could undermine democratic norms and fuel broader political tensions.
Meanwhile, other civil society coalitions have criticised both the former governor and national leadership for what they describe as a broader pattern of political grandstanding and distraction. One civic group urged Nigerians to focus on verified facts and national security imperatives rather than sensationalized narratives, warning that inflammatory statements can erode public confidence in state institutions and distract from genuine threats to peace and stability.
The corruption allegations at the centre of this political standoff remain under review by Nigeria’s anti‑graft agencies. While details of specific findings have not been publicly disclosed as of this report, anti‑corruption bodies reportedly continue to pursue inquiries into contracts, financial transactions and governance practices from Mr. El‑Rufai’s tenure. The confrontation between the former governor and the federal government underscores the complex intersection of accountability, political rivalry, and national security discourse in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers note that how this confrontation unfolds could have implications not only for public trust in governance processes but also for broader debates about corruption, institutional credibility and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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