El-Rufai Says Arrest May Be Imminent Amid Rising Political Tensions

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that he could be arrested at any time by authorities under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, raising fresh concerns about political tensions and the shrinking space for opposition voices in Nigeria.

El-Rufai, now a prominent member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the claim during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday. According to him, recent actions by law enforcement agencies suggest that critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are increasingly being targeted, either through intimidation or arrest.

The former governor stated that although he has not yet been detained, several of his close associates have already been arrested, which he believes signals that he may be next. “Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested. It is only a matter of time before they come for me too,” El-Rufai said during the interview.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna State governor for eight years under the APC, has in recent months intensified his criticism of the Tinubu administration, particularly on issues of governance, internal party democracy, and the alleged use of state institutions to weaken opposition parties. His defection from the APC to the ADC marked a significant political shift and placed him among the most vocal critics of the ruling party.

In the interview, El-Rufai also alleged that politicians across the country are facing mounting pressure to either defect to the APC or remain within the ruling party to avoid harassment. He claimed that such pressure undermines democratic principles and promotes a culture of political conformity rather than healthy competition.

His comments come amid heightened public attention surrounding the arrest and ongoing trial of Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Malami of multiple offenses, including abuse of office and money laundering. Authorities later announced additional allegations, including links to terrorism financing, prompting his rearrest.

Malami, who is also considered a key opposition figure after defecting from the APC to the ADC, has denied all charges. He has described the case against him as politically motivated, arguing that the allegations only surfaced after his defection from the ruling party. The EFCC, however, has maintained that its actions are based strictly on evidence and due process, not political considerations.

The federal government has consistently denied accusations that anti-corruption agencies are being used to target political opponents. Officials argue that no individual is above the law and that investigations and prosecutions are driven solely by the need to uphold accountability and the rule of law.

Nevertheless, El-Rufai’s remarks have sparked renewed debate among political observers and the public about selective enforcement, opposition suppression, and the balance between anti-corruption efforts and political neutrality. Analysts warn that perceptions of bias—whether justified or not—could erode public confidence in democratic institutions if not addressed transparently.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the unfolding developments surrounding El-Rufai, Malami, and other opposition figures are likely to remain under intense scrutiny. Whether these cases are viewed as legitimate law enforcement actions or as instruments of political pressure may significantly shape public discourse and trust in governance in the months ahead.