Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged knowledge of plans to arrest and detain him, claiming that the scheme is part of an attempt by his adversaries to compel him to leave Nigeria.
Speaking on the matter, the outspoken politician accused certain elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of abandoning the party’s founding principles.
El-Rufai, known for his bold political stance, has recently been involved in heated exchanges with members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, el-Rufai, who is currently in Egypt, responded to a user, Imran Wakili, who speculated about the alleged plot. El-Rufai assured his followers that he has no intention of staying away and would return to Nigeria before February 20.
“I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before,” el-Rufai said.
“They have sent such 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 have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option.
“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 is when Allah destines it, and it is ultimately the date of every human.
“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.
“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.”
The former minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) has become an ardent critic of the Tinubu government.
El-Rufai was one of the president’s ministerial nominees. However, in August 2023, the senate withheld his confirmation as minister, citing security concerns.
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