El-Rufai Declares Political War Against Tinubu Administration
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has issued a bold declaration that the political struggle to remove President Bola Tinubu's government has officially commenced. In a revealing interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Friday, February 13, the prominent politician asserted that his recent return to Nigeria has unsettled those currently in power, prompting what he describes as politically motivated attempts to obstruct him.
Airport Confrontation and Alleged Executive Overreach
The controversy escalated dramatically on Thursday when security operatives attempted to detain El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly after his arrival from Cairo, Egypt. According to his media aide Muyiwa Adekeye, the former governor refused to accompany the security personnel without a formal invitation or warrant, leading to a tense standoff during which his international passport was reportedly seized before the operatives withdrew.
El-Rufai and his legal team have strongly condemned this incident as unconstitutional executive overreach, emphasizing that proper due process was completely disregarded. The former governor framed this airport confrontation as evidence of the administration's anxiety about his political activities and organizational capabilities within Nigeria.
Political Differences Over Personal Animosity
Addressing the root causes of his opposition, El-Rufai clarified that his disagreement stems from fundamental differences in political objectives rather than personal animosity toward President Tinubu. "Our objectives are what differ," he explained, noting that the current administration's direction has diverged significantly from what was originally envisioned when he supported the party.
The former governor specifically denied having any personal dispute with President Tinubu, stating: "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." He acknowledged Tinubu's contributions during the Muhammadu Buhari era but emphasized their lack of direct political collaboration.
Internal Party Dynamics and Successor Relations
El-Rufai revealed important context about internal All Progressives Congress (APC) arrangements, mentioning that there had been an understanding within the ruling party that power would rotate to the South-West following former President Buhari's eight-year tenure. This background adds complexity to current political tensions.
Regarding his successor in Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani, El-Rufai downplayed reports of any significant rift. "As for Uba Sani, he is my political son," he stated. "He himself has said many times that he is my person. We are not at odds; it is only our objectives that differ." This clarification seeks to separate policy disagreements from personal relationships in the political sphere.
Coalition Building and Opposition Strategy
The former governor outlined his strategic approach moving forward, revealing that he is aligning with an emerging political coalition despite past differences with some of its members. "In the past, we opposed some members of the coalition, but now we must come together, forgive one another, and save this country," he declared, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Nigeria's pressing challenges including economic hardship, oppression, and unemployment.
While ruling out immediate electoral ambitions for himself, El-Rufai signaled his commitment to sustained opposition activity. "I do not have the intention to contest for any position now," he stated, while acknowledging political unpredictability: "in politics anything can happen within 24 hours." His current focus remains firmly on contributing to the removal of the current administration.
A Determined Opposition Stance
El-Rufai framed his opposition role as a matter of political responsibility, stating: "Since I contributed to bringing them into power, I must also contribute to removing them." He expressed particular determination in the face of what he perceives as targeting, suggesting that attempts to hinder his return to Nigeria reflect awareness of his organizational capabilities.
"As I return home some people will not be able to sleep," he asserted. "All these efforts to stop me at the airport was an empty threat. 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."
Far from being discouraged by these confrontations, El-Rufai claimed they energize his political resolve: "I even feel more energized when there is this kind of political struggle." His comments establish a clear narrative of an experienced politician preparing for what he describes as a necessary political battle to address Nigeria's challenges through organized opposition.
