Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has refuted claims that he plans to go into self-imposed exile despite speculation of a possible arrest.
El-Rufai, who has recently been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), addressed the rumors following reports that he might face detention.
Some party insiders have linked his stance to the controversy surrounding his unsuccessful ministerial nomination.
Responding to a social media post by user Imran Wakili regarding the alleged plan to detain him, El-Rufai stated that such claims have persisted since July 2024, following a Kaduna State Assembly report.
“They have attempted to intimidate me through various channels, including my friends, family, and political associates, in an effort to push me into self-imposed exile. I will not leave,” he asserted.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emphasized that he has chosen to remain in Nigeria and put his personal pursuits on hold, as he believes silence is no longer an option.
“I have suspended my academic and language-learning plans to spend more time in Nigeria. Remaining silent is no longer golden, and inaction has never been an option,” he wrote.
El-Rufai, who claimed that he has previously faced arrest and detention under different administrations, maintained that such experiences are not new to him and will not deter his political engagement.
“The arrest, detention, and mistreatment of perceived political opponents are common in history. I have been arrested and detained three times in the past for expressing my views. But after every arrest or detention, political life continues. As for death, it comes only at the time destined by Allah,” he added.
Currently in Egypt, El-Rufai disclosed his plans to return to Nigeria in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, set for February 20, 2025.
“For those who are uneasy whenever I am in Nigeria, take note that I plan to return in time for President IBB’s memoir launch,” he stated.
El-Rufai concluded by reaffirming his faith, saying, “We rely on no one but Allah. We fear no one but the Almighty. While we hope for the best, we always prepare for the worst.”
