Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was reportedly confronted by security operatives upon his arrival at Abuja airport from Cairo, his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed on Thursday. According to Adekeye, the former governor declined to accompany the agents because they did not present a formal invitation or arrest warrant. He added that his passport was seized from one of his aides during the encounter.
As of the time of filing, no official statement has been issued by any security agency regarding the alleged incident. The development follows El-Rufai’s recent warning that he could be arrested at any moment by the Federal Government. Speaking to BBC Hausa earlier this week, the former governor, now a key figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pressuring politicians to either align with the party or maintain loyalty.
El-Rufai, who led Kaduna State for eight years under the APC, has in recent months openly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the party. He also revealed that several of his associates had been detained, prompting speculation about rising political tension between him and the APC-led government. Analysts suggest the airport confrontation could intensify debates about legal procedure, political influence, and the independence of opposition figures in Nigeria’s current political climate.
