By Amah
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Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has said he believes he could soon be arrested, following the detention of four individuals he described as close political associates.
He also warned of what he sees as rising pressure on opposition figures in the country.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai stated that those who worked closely with him in Kaduna had been arrested, signaling what he considers a widening dragnet.
“I have not been arrested,” he said, “but four people we worked with in Kaduna have been picked up. It may only be a matter of time before they come for me.”
Once a central figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a two-term governor under its platform, El-Rufai has in recent months emerged as a sharp critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His political realignment with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) marked a significant shift from his earlier position as a key strategist within the APC’s power structure.
The former governor alleged that some politicians are being pressured to either defect to the ruling party or remain aligned with it, suggesting that the climate is becoming increasingly hostile for dissenting voices.
According to him, the arrests of his associates reflect broader political maneuvering aimed at weakening opposition influence ahead of future contests.
His comments come amid heightened political tension, following the arrest and prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Malami of offences, including abuse of office and money laundering, and authorities later rearrested him over additional allegations related to terrorism financing. Malami has denied the charges, describing them as a political witch-hunt.
While federal authorities have not publicly indicated that El-Rufai is under investigation or linked the arrests of his associates to political activity, his remarks highlight deepening fractures within Nigeria’s political class.
As defections reshape alliances and rivalries sharpen, the unfolding developments point to an increasingly tense atmosphere in the country’s evolving power dynamics.
