Manny Ita –
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised an alarm over an alleged coordinated attempt by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to effect his arrest and detention upon his return to Nigeria. In a confidential briefing memo dated February 10, 2026, and subsequent public statements, the former governor alleged that the move is part of a broader campaign of political intimidation directed at opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claimed that several of his close associates have already been detained as part of a strategy to compel political alignment with the ruling party.
Addressing the situation following an attempted encounter at the Abuja airport, El-Rufai’s legal team described the incident as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights and executive overreach.” The former governor specifically named his former ally, Nuhu Ribadu, as the primary driver behind the security agencies’ actions, stating, “The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is actively pressing agencies to detain me without any case of wrongdoing.” He further suggested that the motivations behind the move are “driven by personal envy, political spite, and a desire to eliminate a future potential competitor, rather than national security or anti-corruption.”
The former governor maintained that multiple investigations into his administration have failed to produce any credible formal accusations, yet he continues to face what he calls “sponsored media publications” intended to tarnish his reputation. Regarding the legality of the recent attempt to intercept him, El-Rufai noted that no formal warrant or signed directive was produced when demanded by his counsel. “Credible information now establishes the certainty of arrest and detention without basis upon my imminent return to Nigeria, inconsistent with constitutional safeguards and international obligations,” he asserted, while vowing to remain in the country to face any legitimate judicial inquiry.
The Office of the National Security Adviser has previously dismissed similar allegations from the former governor, with Ribadu describing such claims as false and baseless. In earlier responses to El-Rufai’s critiques, the NSA’s office stated that it is “too preoccupied with its current assignment to get into a media fight” and urged the public to disregard the accusations. As tensions rise between the former governor and the current administration, El-Rufai has called for a commitment to the rule of law, insisting that “our country must outgrow executive overreach and deliberate disregard for the judicial process.”
