War Of Words Erupts As Presidency Tackles El-Rufai Over Alleged Chemical Buy

In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” over claims that the office intended to import thallium sulphate from abroad. He shared a copy of the letter on his official handle.

In the correspondence, he requested full details of the alleged transaction, including its intended use and the safety protocols in place, stressing the need for transparency to maintain public confidence.

The Presidency, however, denied the allegation, stating that the Office of the National Security Adviser had neither procured nor imported thallium sulphate.

Reacting in a statement posted on , the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, accused El-Rufai of attempting to stir political tension. Ajayi said the former governor was aware that no such procurement had taken place and suggested he was playing to the public gallery.

He further claimed that El-Rufai had already received an official response from the NSA’s office and challenged him to make that reply public, just as he had released his initial letter.

Ajayi also alleged that El-Rufai’s actions were politically motivated, accusing him of trying to create fear and unrest through misinformation, as well as divert attention from corruption allegations he faces in Kaduna State.

According to the presidential aide, El-Rufai’s current challenges stem from issues within his home state and not from President Bola Tinubu or the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He questioned how the former governor had lost the support of key political stakeholders in Kaduna, including members of the State House of Assembly who reportedly petitioned anti-graft agencies to investigate alleged financial impropriety during his tenure.

Ajayi concluded by urging El-Rufai to address the corruption allegations against him rather than shifting attention through public claims.