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Tag: el-rufai

  • Police summon ex-gov El-Rufai, top ADC leaders

    Police summon ex-gov El-Rufai, top ADC leaders

    The Kaduna State Police Command has invited former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and seven members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

    A police letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC State Chairman to produce El-Rufai and the others at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on September 8.

    Those listed in the invitation are Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as 30), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also known as Mikiya).

    The letter, titled “Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief and Causing Grievous Hurt,” stated that the invitation was to enable the individuals clarify allegations reported against them.

    Meanwhile, security operatives on Wednesday sealed the ADC office at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, Kaduna, hours before the Northwest leadership of the party was scheduled to visit the state chapter on a commiseration mission.

    The visit was intended to sympathise with members injured when political thugs attacked a coalition meeting of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, and ADC in Kaduna last week.

    Eyewitnesses said several police patrol vans were deployed around the premises to block access to the opposition party’s office.

  • CAN president criticises El-Rufai’s leadership style

    CAN president criticises El-Rufai’s leadership style

    Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised the leadership style of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

    Speaking on TVC News Politics Tonight, Hayab said the former governor’s approach to handling conflicts in the state left many communities feeling neglected.

    He added that past leaders such as Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, the late Patrick Yakowa, and Ramalan Yero made more deliberate efforts to foster peace and unity.

    His comments came in reaction to El-Rufai’s recent statement that he had no regrets about his actions in office.

    Hayab described the remarks as insensitive to the experiences of communities affected by violence during the period.

    He further expressed concern over what he described as uneven distribution of development projects, alleging that certain communities benefited less from the state’s urban renewal programme, which was funded with loans.

    The CAN leader also addressed the long-standing debate over the population of Southern Kaduna, insisting that the region represents a significant proportion of the state’s residents and should not be overlooked in political considerations.

    Hayab disclosed that he initially supported El-Rufai’s candidacy in 2015 but later became dissatisfied with his leadership approach, which he described as intolerant and dismissive of opposing views.

    He urged leaders in the state to adopt a more inclusive style of governance, adding that peace and stability should remain the priority for Kaduna going forward.

  • Prove allegations or apologise to ONSA – NCSCN to El-Rufai

    Prove allegations or apologise to ONSA – NCSCN to El-Rufai

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria(NCSCN) has condemned the recent media attack by  the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

    El-Rufai had alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) coordinates a policy of ransom payments and inducements to bandits and insurgents in the guise of non-kinetic approach to the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    NCSCN’s Executive Director, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, who briefed newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, challenged El-Rufai to come forward with his proofs within 72 hours, or apologise to the ONSA and the national security architecture.

    According to the executive director, NCSCN will blacklist El-Rufai if he fails to present his evidence or tender an apologise within the given time frame.

    He said that in as much as NCSCN totally aligned with the global posture of non-negotiation with terrorists and bandits, it remained resolute in its advocacy for the adoption of non-kinetic measures in securing the lives of Nigerians in captivity.

    “One can never fully understand or feel the pains of victims affected by terrorist attacks or kidnapping until one experiences such devastating nightmare.

    “The public allegations made by El-Rufai, without authoritative facts and figures to back his claims, is most unfortunate and unexpected from a high-profile leader of his calibre.

    “His utterances were too unguarded, highly volatile, and very vindictive, sounding more like that of a political detractor bent on mischief and blackmail.”

    He said that Nigerians from all walks of should put the security of lives of fellow citizens above personal interests, and must appreciate efforts and investments being made towards securing lives.

    Akinlosotu challenged El-Rufai to retract or validate his claims.

    “El-rufai should in next 72 hours, and as a matter of urgency, responsibility and responsiveness, come out boldly with evidence and proves to the allegation made against the NSA and the security architecture, or render unreserved apology.

    “In the case of failure to substantiate his allegations, he will be blacklisted by NCSCN.

    “We urge the ONSA to strengthen good collaboration with the organised civil society community towards the dissemination of information on the activities of the offices as and when necessary.

    “The civil society council advocates immediate creation of a Non-Kinetic Civil Space Engagement Unit within ONSA to be manned by a seasoned civil society activist, with desk officers in all security formations.

    “Any nation claiming absolute non-negotiation posture or total military force in dealing with terrorism, without any form or case of dialogue and negotiation, is either living in denials or being hypocritical.

    “Nigeria must institutionalise and learn to strategically combine the use of kinetic and non-kinetic methodologies in fighting insecurity in the country,’’ he said.

  • We formed APC, I know where the dead body is buried – El-Rufai

    We formed APC, I know where the dead body is buried – El-Rufai

    Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he’s part of the founding members of the the All Progressives Congress, APC and has what it take to defeat the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He disclosed this during a Channels Television programme on Sunday.

    “We formed the APC; we know where the dead body is buried. Some of them, like Atiku, know where the PDP’s dead body is buried.

    “Together we can face APC. We don’t need to have totally different people from nowhere to challenge APC,” he said.

    El-Rufai decried that the economy and security are worse off under President Tinubu.

     

  • Police investigate alleged political violence as ADC denies El-Rufai

    Police investigate alleged political violence as ADC denies El-Rufai

    The Police Command in Kaduna State said its has lunched an intensive investigation into the alleged political violence during a meeting hosted by the former Gov. Nasir El Rufai and shooting incidents by political thugs.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan announced the investigation in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said, “The incident occurred after a political gathering purportedly organized by a political party, ADC, without prior notification to the Police and other relevant security agencies, in spite of repeated warnings and advices.

    “The situation was further complicated by the presence of high-profile dignitaries, in the state at the time.”

    According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the gathering led to a clash, during which thugs and political gangsters attached to the former Governor allegedly fired gunshots, causing chaos and disruption of public order,  peace in the state.

    “The police command further launched an inquiry from the ADC party Secretariat to keep the records straight.

    “Accordingly, the party’s officials denied having knowledge of any meetings and refuted the claim of the organisers.

    “The ADC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and they distanced themselves from the claims of the former governor.

    “The command wishes to state categorically that the investigation is ongoing.

    “Anyone found culpable,  irrespective of his personality and no matter how highly placed an individual is, if he acted contrary to the law, he will face the full weight of the law, “he said.

    Hassan said the command strongly warned that any hotel, event centre, or similar facility that permits political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or other relevant security agencies, will equally be held liable.

    He said this measure was to ensure that due process was followed and to prevent thugs or miscreants from hijacking such gatherings to cause mayhem or breakdown of law and order.

    “In the interest of peace and public safety, the command further announces that all such unauthorised gatherings are to be suspended until due process and proper security arrangements are ensured,” Hassan said.

  • El-Rufai still with APC, we consult him – Jamoh

    El-Rufai still with APC, we consult him – Jamoh

    Dr. Bashir Jamoh, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has dismissed rumours of defection surrounding former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, affirming that he remains a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Jamoh, a prominent APC chieftain in Kaduna State, made this known while addressing newsmen in Kaduna after a grassroots tour of the eight local government areas in Kaduna North Senatorial District.

    He said the visit was aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Uba Sani, ahead of the forthcoming bye-elections and the 2027 General Elections.

    Jamoh said, “As far as I am concerned, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is still with the APC.

    “We are yet to reach the point where we will say farewell to him. Forget about the politics  when we need his advice, we consult him, and he always contributes without hesitation.”

    According to him, El-Rufai remains a valuable asset to the party, noting his contributions since the party’s formative years.

    “You cannot disown your child of eight years. He governed Kaduna for eight years under the APC and played a pivotal role in the merger that formed the party,” he said.

    On El-Rufai’s rumoured association with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Jamoh urged for patience.

    “You don’t name a child until there is a successful delivery. Let’s wait and see how the ADC process unfolds who emerges leader, who becomes the presidential candidate, and what the structure will look like,” he said.

    The APC chieftain reiterated his loyalty to the APC and declared that the party remained the strongest political force in the country.

    “Have you ever seen a field marshal frightened by a non-commissioned officer? APC remains the field marshal of Nigerian politics,” Jamoh said.

    He said defections were a natural part of democratic systems but maintained that the APC remained formidable in Kaduna State and across the nation.

    Jamoh also reaffirmed his commitment to the political alliance between  Tinubu and  Sani.

    “That alliance is like a marriage  even when your wife is no longer young, you don’t send her packing. Tinubu is our political partner, and we must nurture that partnership,” he said.

    On his political ambition, Jamoh confirmed that he had received calls from his constituents urging him to contest for the Kaduna North senatorial seat in 2027.

    “Yes, I have received calls to run, and I have formally written to the stakeholders to seek their advice and prayers,” he stated.

    Jamoh urged APC members to remain united and focused as preparations for the next general election begin in earnest.

    “This is not the time for distractions. Let’s consolidate our gains and ensure continuity in governance,” he added

  • Obi, El-Rufai not card-carrying members of our party – ADC

    Obi, El-Rufai not card-carrying members of our party – ADC

    The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has confirmed that former govenors Peter Obi and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai are not card-carrying member of their party.

    ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this while speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday night.

    Abdullahi, however, insisted that Obi was part of their coalition from the first day.

    “Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one.

    “He has attended almost every meeting of the coalition.

    “The reason Peter Obi has not come into the ADC as a card-carrying member is because he asked for leave to allow him complete the election that his people were involved in Labour Party.

    “The same thing applies to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. And they were both allowed by the leadership to complete the election processes that they started in their respective parties.

    “Peter Obi is a member of the coalition, but not a card-carrying member of the ADC.”

  • We’ll keep Tinubu’s minister in next administration – El-Rufai

    We’ll keep Tinubu’s minister in next administration – El-Rufai

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has heaped praises on Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanu saying he will be retained in the next administration if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leaves.

    Addressing a gathering at Arewa TechFest in Katsina, on Wednesday, El-Rufai said, “Yesterday at 8 PM, there was a very important meeting of the coalition we’re putting together to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos.

    He confirmed a meeting by the coalition was held in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said President Tinubu would be sent back to Lagos State while his Minister, Bosun Tijani, who, according to him, is doing a great job, would be retained in the next administration.

    “Though we will still keep Bosun Tijani, we will still keep the minister because he is doing good work.”

  • Reactions trail El-Rufai’s meeting with Peter Obi In America (photo)

    Reactions trail El-Rufai’s meeting with Peter Obi In America (photo)

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in the 2023 general election on Saturday met with the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, in the United States (US).

    TheNewsGuru reports that the duo met during the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference held at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge.

    The former Kaduna governor was among the speakers at the conference, which convenes African leaders, scholars, and innovators.

    Obi represented the Labour Party in the previous presidential election, El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party, is thought to be politically aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

    Both politicians collaborated with Atiku Abubakar to announce the establishment of an opposition coalition aimed at ousting the incumbent administration led by President Bola Tinubu from office in 2023.

    Following this announcement, many speculate that the coalition will operate under the SDP platform, with El-Rufai being referred to as Atiku’s placeholder within the SDP.

    Following the new development, Nigerians, have taken to social media platform to react to the meeting, while some saw the move as a welcome development, others, had their reservations.

    one user commented, “If this two can come together, trust me Tinubu go cry.”

    _great.theman wrote: “Anything to remove APC, I don’t care, just do it!.”

    norah_pimiento wrote: “May this discussion lead to a better Nigeria, amin.”

    abdomiloose wrote: ‘‘But Erufai na bad man considering the numbers of Christian’s that died under his government as a governor. We can’t trust him.”

    urchywar wrote: “Let me break it down for y’all, El-Rufai is working for BAT 2027 re-election, with the promise of being the FCT minister if BAT wins, these are simply political strategies to distract the opposition, BAT won’t be needing WIKE in 2027 as SIM is set to defect to APC. If you play Chess ♟️ you will understand politics. Ire ooo.”

    taymi_j wrote: ”Omo as Tunde wey dey Yankee carry betterment of naija matter for head just dey sweet me.”

    olayimika10__ wrote: ”In as much he’s with Peter Obi now, he’s no more a bad person . Double standard people.”

    viks_vico wrote: ”I would love to see the both of them joining together and forming alliance together, 2027 election would be tougher and Sir Peter Obi needs someone like Sir El rufai to contest for presidential election. Me I would come out and vote for both of them. Then for Abia state I would vote for Alex otti.”

  • Your constitutional responsibility does not include firing Fubara – El-Rufai to Tinubu

    Your constitutional responsibility does not include firing Fubara – El-Rufai to Tinubu

    Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, has faulted the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Rivers crisis.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency, after which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu for six months.

    In a statement on Wednesday night, the former Kaduna governor pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not support the suspension of a governor by the president.

    He said, it is dangerous to our system of democratic federalism for an elected president to assume and exercise powers to suspend elected officials at the State level.

    The former governor stated that a state of emergency could have been declared to give the relevant security agencies exceptional powers and resources needed to tackle insecurity in Rivers. However, extending this emergency regime to dismantle democratic structures is a blatant violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.

    El-Rufai’s statement read: “There are things that are so clearly wrong that the justifications summoned in their defence fall flat. The decision of Mr. President to suspend the elected officials of the Rivers State Government is one of those. Our country’s Constitution does not support it precisely because it is dangerous to our system of democratic federalism for an elected president to assume and exercise powers to suspend elected officials at the State level. The responsibilities of a president are heavy and extensive, but they are constrained by the Constitution and the law and certainly do not include firing persons who were elected.

    “The security issues cited in the President’s speech surely deserve the most serious attention and sustained efforts to contain the threats and preserve vital national infrastructure. That is a duty that we ought to vigorously support the security agencies to successfully discharge. A state of emergency could surely have been proclaimed to grant the relevant security agencies the extraordinary powers and necessary resources to enable them to address the problem. Extending the provisions of such an emergency regime to include the dismantling of democratic structures is a wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law. The Supreme Court has conclusively declared the suspension of elected officials unlawful in the Dariye vs.Attorney General of the Federation.

    “It is my view that Mr. President should review this decision and return to the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law. As an opposition figure, Senator Bola Tinubu had made his voice heard against the decision of then President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the North-East, even when that decision did not extend to the suspension of elected officials and institutions. A similar reconsideration is warranted in this case to contain the damage done to the people of Rivers State, and restore the Federal Government to compliance with the Constitution.

    “Let us not keep silent while the slippery slope of replicating the events of emergency rule in the old Western Region in 1962 unfold before our very eyes. I appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to join in calling an end to this gross violation of the Constitution and disrespect for the rule of law.”