Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that the political struggle to unseat the current administration has “just begun,” alleging that those in power are unsettled by his return to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Friday, El-Rufai suggested that recent scrutiny and attempts to obstruct him were politically motivated.
“When that government came, I was among the few people who said we would oppose it and remove it,” he stated, dismissing allegations of wrongdoing against him.
“If they had anything against me, it would have long been settled. If you want to accuse me, prove it. I am waiting; whoever invites me, I will go,” he added.
Airport Drama Deepens Tension
His remarks follow a tense encounter at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where security operatives attempted to detain him upon arrival from Cairo.
According to his aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai declined to accompany the operatives without a formal warrant or written invitation. His legal team later described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of his rights.
El-Rufai alleged that certain forces preferred he remained abroad to limit his political activities.
“As I return home, some people will not be able to sleep. They know that if we are in Nigeria, we will organise to remove them,” he said.
No Personal Rift With Tinubu
Addressing speculation about tensions with President Bola Tinubu, El-Rufai denied any personal dispute.
“I have no problem with Tinubu. We have never had any dealings together. We met in APC when Muhammadu Buhari emerged and won the election,” he explained.
He said his disagreement with the administration is rooted in divergent political objectives rather than personal animosity.
“If your objectives are different from mine, then we should part ways peacefully. No fight,” he said.
El-Rufai also confirmed aligning with an emerging opposition coalition, despite past differences with some of its members.
“In the past, we opposed some members of the coalition, but now we must come together and save this country,” he said.
While ruling out any immediate ambition to contest for office, he signalled sustained political engagement.
“I do not intend to contest for any position now… but political struggles are just beginning,” he declared.
He downplayed reports of a fallout with Kaduna State governor Uba Sani, describing him as his “political son,” though acknowledging differences in objectives.
As opposition forces begin repositioning ahead of the next electoral cycle, El-Rufai’s remarks underscore a deepening political contest that could reshape alliances in the lead-up to 2027.