Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA — Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has dismissed allegations that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai hacked the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing the claims as unfounded and technically implausible.
Amaechi, speaking amid escalating political exchanges within Nigeria’s opposition and ruling party circles, said he doubted that El-Rufai ever made such a claim and argued that the former governor lacks the technical capacity to carry out such an act. He further contended that, in reality, the Office of the National Security Adviser possesses the institutional authority and capability to monitor communications for national security purposes.
“I doubt that El-Rufai said he hacked NSA Nuhu Ribadu's phone. He doesn't have the capacity to do so. It's the NSA's office that is listening to our calls,” Amaechi stated, casting skepticism on the narrative that has circulated in political discussions and online commentary.
The remarks come against the backdrop of growing tensions among key political figures as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections. Although no formal complaint or official confirmation has substantiated the hacking allegation, the claim has fueled speculation and deepened rifts within political camps.
Amaechi did not stop at refuting the hacking claim. He went further to accuse Ribadu of engaging in political maneuvering beyond the scope of his security mandate. According to the former minister, the National Security Adviser is allegedly involved in orchestrating party alignments and legal battles intended to weaken the African Democratic Congress while positioning himself strategically for future political contests.
He alleged that Ribadu is simultaneously preparing political ground for the 2031 presidential race while also working to secure President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in 2027. In his remarks, Amaechi claimed that Ribadu is influencing internal disputes and litigation affecting the ADC, asserting that multiple court cases involving factions of the party are linked to broader political calculations.
“Ribadu is busy arresting everybody. He's planning double elections. He's planning for himself in 2031 and also planning for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. All he's doing is setting up parties to fight the ADC. He has his own fake ADC. Just go to court; he has so many ADC cases in court with small small boys he has bought cars for,” Amaechi said.
The National Security Adviser’s office has not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of reporting. However, the Office of the NSA traditionally focuses on coordinating national security and intelligence operations, advising the president on threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cybercrime and organized criminal networks.
Political analysts note that allegations of surveillance and political interference are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape. The intersection between national security institutions and partisan politics has historically generated debate, particularly during pre-election periods when political rivalries intensify.
Amaechi’s comments also reflect broader tensions among prominent political actors who have shifted alliances in recent years. Once aligned within the ruling All Progressives Congress, several high-profile figures have since expressed divergent positions on governance, party leadership, and electoral strategy. These fractures have created a fluid environment ahead of 2027, with speculation about potential coalitions and realignments.
Observers say that claims of phone hacking, if substantiated, would represent a serious breach of privacy and could trigger legal and constitutional implications. Under Nigerian law, unauthorized interception of communications is a criminal offense. However, national security agencies are empowered under specific legal frameworks to conduct surveillance operations subject to defined procedures and oversight.
Amaechi concluded his remarks by urging Ribadu to concentrate on his official responsibilities, warning that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 electoral process would ultimately fail. He expressed confidence that credible elections would hold and cautioned against conflating security functions with political ambition.
“The man needs to rest. If he thinks that there won't be proper elections in 2027, he's wasting his time. He should prepare for his security job,” he said.
As political discourse intensifies, civil society groups have called for restraint and evidence-based engagement. They emphasize that allegations involving national security institutions must be handled carefully to avoid undermining public confidence or inflaming tensions.
With the 2027 elections still more than a year away, Nigeria’s political environment is already witnessing early positioning by influential figures. Whether the latest exchange will escalate into formal complaints or remain within the realm of political rhetoric remains uncertain. What is clear is that the interplay between security oversight and partisan competition will continue to shape national conversations in the months ahead.
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