El-Rufai: I’m Not Afraid Of Arrest, I’ll Be Back February 20
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has responded to speculations about his possible arrest, saying he has been aware of such rumors.
El-Rufai, who has been engaged in a war of words with some members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, recently criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for “straying from its core values.”
In a post on X on Tuesday, the former governor alleged that his adversaries were attempting to force him into exile.
“I will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before,” he stated.
“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.”
El-Rufai, who disclosed that he is currently in Egypt, confirmed his plans to return to Nigeria before February 20.
“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,” he said.
“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 on 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 fate of every human.”
He further emphasized his intention to return in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, scheduled for February 20.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
El-Rufai, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been an outspoken critic of the Tinubu administration.
Although nominated as a minister in 2023, the Senate withheld his confirmation in August, citing security concerns.
