Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that he could be arrested by the APC-led federal government, claiming that some of his close associates have already been detained.
El-Rufai, now a leading figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday.
The former governor, who has intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in recent months, said although he has not personally been arrested, developments around him suggest it may only be a matter of time.
“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.
He also alleged that political pressure is being mounted on some politicians to either defect to the ruling APC or remain within the party.
El-Rufai governed Kaduna State for eight years under the APC before aligning with the ADC, where he has emerged as a vocal critic of the current administration.
Malami’s Arrest in Focus
His comments come against the backdrop of the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Malami of offenses including abuse of office and money laundering. Authorities later rearrested him over alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
Malami, who is considered a prominent figure within the opposition bloc, has denied all allegations, describing them as a political witch-hunt following his defection from the APC to the ADC.
As of press time, the federal government and the APC had not publicly responded to El-Rufai’s claims.
