El-Rufai political intimidation claim as former Kaduna governor warns of possible arrest following detention of associates amid APC-ADC tensions

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that he could be the next target of arrest by the Federal Government, citing recent developments as evidence of growing political intimidation against opposition figures.

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El-Rufai made the claims during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, expressing concern over what he described as mounting pressure on politicians to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress or remain in the party for survival.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” El-Rufai said. While he has not yet been detained, he suggested that the arrests of his close associates signalled potential action against him.

The former governor, who recently defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress, also noted that the current political climate was forcing individuals to make decisions based on survival rather than conviction.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for eight years under the APC, has intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the party in recent times.

His comments come in the context of the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, who faces allegations including abuse of office, money laundering, and terrorism financing.

Malami, also reported to have defected from the APC to the ADC, has denied all charges and described them as a “political witch-hunt” linked to his opposition stance.

As of the time of filing, the Federal Government and the APC have not officially responded to El-Rufai’s claims.

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The remarks underscore growing tension within Nigeria’s political landscape as defections and high-profile arrests fuel concerns over intimidation and the treatment of opposition figures.