FORMER Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that he could be arrested by the Federal Government following the detention of some of his close associates, even as he confirmed plans to return to Nigeria within 48 hours and appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday monitored by News Point Nigeria, El-Rufai claimed that recent developments suggest he may be the next target in what he described as growing political intimidation against opposition figures.
“Four people we worked together with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said.
Although he stated that he had not yet been arrested, the former governor said the detention of his associates points to possible action against him.
In a related development, sources close to El-Rufai disclosed that he has informed the EFCC that he would present himself at the commission’s office by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
El-Rufai confirmed his imminent return in a brief interview, dismissing weeks of speculation that he had gone into self-exile.
He had travelled out of the country on November 30, 2025, after attending social engagements in Lagos. In December, while he was abroad, the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence, fueling speculation that he might face arrest upon his return.
Both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are currently investigating allegations of corruption linked to his tenure as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the investigations as politically motivated.
The former governor’s comments come against the backdrop of his recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has reshaped political alignments.
El-Rufai, once a key figure in the APC and instrumental in the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has in recent months become one of the administration’s most outspoken critics.
Following Tinubu’s inauguration, El-Rufai was nominated for a ministerial position but was not confirmed by the Senate, reportedly over security concerns. He later asked not to be reconsidered and proposed another nominee.
Relations between the two men have since reportedly deteriorated.
El-Rufai alleged during the BBC Hausa interview that political pressure was being mounted on politicians to either defect to or remain within the ruling party.
According to him, the current political climate is compelling individuals to make decisions based on survival rather than conviction.
His claims come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The EFCC has accused Malami of abuse of office and money laundering, while the Department of State Services reportedly rearrested him over fresh allegations related to terrorism financing.
Malami, who also defected to the ADC and is eyeing a governorship seat in Kebbi State in 2027, has denied all allegations, describing them as a “political witch-hunt.”
The developments have intensified debate over whether anti-corruption investigations are purely legal processes or are influenced by political realignments.
In March 2024, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani initiated a probe into El-Rufai’s administration. The former governor subsequently challenged the findings at the Federal High Court.
Since leaving office in 2023, El-Rufai has remained a prominent figure in national politics, frequently commenting on governance, economic reforms, and party politics.
The Federal Government and the APC had not officially responded to El-Rufai’s latest claims as of the time of filing this report.