Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed speculations about his possible self-imposed exile, affirming his decision to remain in Nigeria despite alleged threats of arrest.
El-Rufai, who has been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faced accusations from some party members linking his stance to the fallout from his unsuccessful ministerial nomination.
Addressing reports of a planned arrest, El-Rufai responded to a post on X by user Imran Wakili, asserting that similar threats have been made against him since July 2024 following a report by the Kaduna State Assembly.
“They have sent similar messages of intimidation and threats through many of my friends, family, and political associates because they want me to go on self-imposed exile. I will not,” he declared.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also made it clear that he has abandoned other commitments to remain in Nigeria, emphasizing that he can no longer stay silent.
“I have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold and will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option,” he stated.
Reflecting on political repression, El-Rufai acknowledged the risks but remained defiant.
“The arrest, detention and torture of perceived political enemies are nothing new in human affairs. I have been arrested and detained thrice in the past for expressing my views of previous governments.
“There is always a morning after the arrest or detention or torture, and political life continues. As for death, it when (is) Allah destines it, and it is ultimately the date of every human.”
Currently in Egypt, El-Rufai announced his plan to return to Nigeria in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs on February 20, 2025.
“For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of Pres IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for 20th February,” he said.
Reaffirming his resolve, he concluded: “We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst.”
