By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has declared that the political battle to unseat the current administration is underway, saying those in power are unsettled by his return to Nigeria.
El-Rufai made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa released on Friday morning, where he addressed his rift with the government, his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and recent events surrounding his return to the country.
“You know, when that government came, I was among the few people who came out and said we would oppose it and remove it. There was nothing I did not say,” he stated.
The former governor insisted that he has nothing to hide, arguing that if credible allegations existed against him, they would have been resolved long ago.
“If they had anything against me like they claim to have against others, the matter would have long been settled. But even if you want to accuse me, make sure you prove the accusation. I am waiting; whoever invites me, I will go,” he said.
El-Rufai attributed his disagreement with the administration to differences in political objectives rather than personal animosity.
“Our objectives are what differ, because when I stood with this government or when I stood with the party, what we are seeing now is not what we saw then. They have changed. If your objectives are different from mine, then we should part ways peacefully. Everyone should go and do their own thing. No fight,” he said.
On his relationship with Tinubu, El-Rufai downplayed suggestions of a personal feud, noting that their political interactions were limited to party collaboration during the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 2015 election cycle that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to power.
“I have no problem with Tinubu because we have never had any dealings together. Tinubu is not my person; we have never done politics together. We met in APC when Buhari came out and won the election. And Tinubu contributed,” he said.
According to him, there was an understanding within the party that after Buhari’s eight-year tenure, power would shift to the South-West, a transition that ultimately favoured Tinubu.
Addressing speculation about tensions with his successor in Kaduna State, Uba Sani, El-Rufai described him as a “political son” and denied any personal fallout.
“As for Uba Sani, he is my political son. He himself has said many times that he is my person. We are not at odds; it is only our objectives that differ,” he said.
El-Rufai stressed that political disagreements should not be personalised, noting that reconciliation is common in politics.
“Politics is a profession where, even if you fight, you reconcile. When politicians are fighting, don’t get involved. But now what lies before us is rescuing Nigerians from the hardship they have found themselves in — oppression and unemployment,” he said.
He disclosed that although he previously opposed some members of an emerging political coalition, the time had come for unity among like-minded actors.
“In the past, we opposed some members of the coalition, but now we must come together, forgive one another, and save this country,” he said.
The former governor said he has no immediate plan to seek elective office, though he acknowledged the fluid nature of politics.
“I do not have the intention to contest for any position now, and I do not know what will happen in the future, because in politics anything can happen within 24 hours. For now, what is before me is to contribute in removing this government,” he said.
“Since I contributed to bringing them into power, I must also contribute to removing them. Political struggles are just beginning now, because it is the living who engage in struggle. Why are they watching me closely? They know what I am capable of, and they know we can remove them,” he added.
El-Rufai also alleged that attempts to stop him at the airport were deliberate efforts to intimidate him and discourage his return.
“As I return home some people will not be able to sleep. All these efforts to stop me at the airport were an empty threat. They know better. They prefer that I stay abroad and not return. They know that if we are in Nigeria, we will organize to remove them. And that is what will happen, God willing,” he said.
He concluded by saying that political confrontation energises rather than discourages him.
“I even feel more energized when there is this kind of political struggle,” he added.
