I May Be Arrested Soon’ – El-Rufai Raises Alarm After Four Associates Detained

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be planning to arrest him amid escalating political tensions.

El-Rufai, once a prominent APC figure but now aligned with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), also claimed that certain politicians are being pressured to either defect to the ruling party or remain loyal to it.

He made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa.

The former governor, who has recently stepped up his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC, stated that although he has not been detained, several of his associates have already been arrested.

According to Daily Trust, El-Rufai said in the interview:
“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too.”

His comments underscore growing political friction between him and the ruling party he served under for eight years before leaving.

El-Rufai further alleged that political actors are being coerced into aligning with the APC, suggesting that the pressure is part of a broader effort to weaken opposition forces ahead of future elections.

His claims come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Malami with offences including abuse of office and money laundering. Authorities later rearrested him over allegations of terrorism financing.

Malami, now considered a key opposition figure after defecting from the APC to the ADC, has denied all allegations, describing the case as politically motivated.