Former Shettima Aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Delivers Scathing Critique of El-Rufai's Recent Conduct
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as special adviser on political matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has launched a pointed criticism against former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai regarding his recent public behavior. Speaking during a televised political program on Tuesday, February 18, Baba-Ahmed asserted that El-Rufai's actions have significantly exacerbated the tensions surrounding his name amid ongoing legal and political controversies.
Federal Charges and Escalating Controversies
The criticism emerges against the backdrop of formal charges filed by the Federal Government against El-Rufai. These charges relate to allegations concerning the unlawful interception of phone communications involving National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Court documents specifically cite three counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024 and the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the current federal administration demonstrates little tolerance for such matters, indicating that once allegations are formally raised, the government pursues them with considerable determination. He described the political environment as particularly challenging and unforgiving at this moment.
Questioning Strategic Decisions
According to Baba-Ahmed, instead of adopting a posture of restraint and focusing on damage control, El-Rufai has chosen to engage in multiple public confrontations. He referenced a well-known proverb, suggesting that when someone finds themselves in a difficult situation, the wisest course is to stop digging deeper. Baba-Ahmed implied that El-Rufai appears to be doing precisely the opposite.
"If I were advising him," Baba-Ahmed stated, "I would have strongly urged him to demonstrate restraint and concentrate first on addressing the most serious allegations against him. His recent steps, including public statements and correspondence, have unfortunately fueled further hostility and deepened public suspicion."
Political Repercussions and Party Considerations
The former presidential aide further highlighted El-Rufai's prominent role within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Baba-Ahmed argued that El-Rufai would be far more valuable to his political party if he were not entangled in controversies that could distract from broader political strategy, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.
He warned that by opening multiple fronts of confrontation simultaneously, El-Rufai risks creating additional challenges for himself rather than alleviating the pressure from existing accusations. Baba-Ahmed noted that El-Rufai already faced serious allegations connected to his tenure as governor before making recent public statements that sparked further debate.
Context of El-Rufai's Recent Activities
The situation intensified following El-Rufai's appearance on Arise Television, where he reportedly made comments suggesting knowledge of illegal actions. This was subsequently followed by a letter he addressed to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu concerning a separate matter. These actions have kept El-Rufai at the center of sustained public and media scrutiny.
In a related development, El-Rufai himself recently criticized what he described as a growing culture of unlawful detention in Nigeria. Speaking at the 23rd Annual Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja, he warned that such practices undermine democratic principles and erode public trust in governmental institutions.
Baba-Ahmed's remarks contribute to an ongoing national conversation about political conduct, accountability, and the appropriate response to legal challenges within Nigeria's complex political landscape. His warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when political figures navigate turbulent waters without strategic caution.
