By Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
A significant political divide has emerged between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, with El-Rufai accusing his former ally of misusing his position and engaging in political persecution.
In a revealing interview conducted in Hausa, El-Rufai labeled Ribadu as the “most malicious” member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, expressing his regret over their previous friendship.
“Nobody is as malicious as Nuhu Ribadu in Tinubu’s administration. I am embarrassed that we were ever friends,” El-Rufai stated. He claimed that the National Security Adviser’s office has transitioned from coordinating intelligence to what he referred to as “remote-control law enforcement.”
El-Rufai accused Ribadu of directing anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to detain political adversaries without following proper legal procedures.
He further alleged that the NSA’s office has interfered with judicial processes by contacting judges to deny bail to suspects, characterizing the situation in Abuja as a “dictatorship.”
A key aspect of El-Rufai’s allegations involves the recent arrest of former NIMASA Director-General Bashir Jamoh, who is being investigated by the ICPC for alleged financial misconduct during his time in office.
Jamoh was reportedly detained on February 2, 2026, over claims involving hundreds of billions of naira in questionable expenditures, including inflated contracts and improper recruitments.
However, ICPC sources maintain that the arrest was made after multiple ignored summons and was conducted legally.
El-Rufai’s comments come amid ongoing federal investigations into his own administration.
A June 2024 report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused his government of mismanaging ₦423.2 billion in loans and grants.
The EFCC has since summoned El-Rufai and several former officials from his administration for questioning, with El-Rufai expected to voluntarily appear at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on February 16, 2026.
El-Rufai has labeled the investigation a “witch-hunt” aimed at damaging his political prospects.
While his supporters view the investigations as political persecution, many prominent Nigerians have urged him to fully engage with the legal process.
Abuja-based lawyer and human rights advocate, Deji Adeyanju, suggested that El-Rufai is facing the consequences of his actions and advised him to “stop the drama and confront justice” if he has nothing to hide.
Similarly, politician, activist, and publisher Omoyele Sowore contended that El-Rufai should be ready to endure “a fraction of what he inflicted on others” during his tenure.
However, notable political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have reportedly visited the former governor
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