Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has asserted that he will not enter self-imposed exile despite facing threats of potential arrest.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has openly criticized President Tinubu’s administration and the APC, with some party members and aides suggesting that his remarks stem from the disappointment over his unsuccessful ministerial nomination.
Responding to a post by X user Imran Wakili about the alleged plan to arrest him, El-Rufai noted that such rumors have been prevalent since July 2024, following a report from the Kaduna State Assembly.
“They have conveyed similar messages of intimidation and threats through numerous friends, family, and political associates in an attempt to force me into self-imposed exile. I will not comply,” he stated.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emphasized that remaining silent is no longer an option, revealing that he has postponed some of his plans to remain in Nigeria.
“I have decided to put all my previous academic and language-learning pursuits on hold and will dedicate more time to Nigeria than ever before. Silence is no longer an option. Inaction has never been acceptable.
“The arrest, detention, and torture of perceived political adversaries are not new phenomena in human history. I have faced arrest and detention three times in the past for voicing my opinions on previous administrations.
“There is always a new day following arrest, detention, or torture, and political life persists. As for death, it occurs when Allah decrees it, and it is ultimately the fate of every human being.”
Currently in Egypt, El-Rufai announced that he plans to return in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, set for February 20, 2025.
“To those who are restless whenever I am in Nigeria, be informed that I intend to return for the launch of President IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for February 20,” El-Rufai remarked.
“We rely solely on Allah. We fear no one but Almighty Allah.”
