El-Rufai’s Confusion Stance On Bandits Negotiations

Bayo Onanuga

The presidency has pointed accusing finger at former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for acting contradictory on negotiations with bandits.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on X, described El-Rufai as a master of ambivalence. He said that while the former governor once disapproved non payments to bandits in pursuit of peace, he now condemns such measures for political reasons.

Onanuga claimed El-Rufai previously supported compensating criminal groups to restore calm but has recently criticized the current administration’s refusal to engage in ransom settlements.

For some weeks, El-Rufai has openly disagreed with President Bola Tinubu’s approach to insecurity, especially the policy of refusing negotiations with terrorists and bandits. His remarks have stirred debate, with the government accusing him of spreading misinformation.

But the Tinubu administration has insisted that it will not make ransom payments to bandits under any circumstances.