Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to Appear at EFCC Office in Abuja on February 16
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is scheduled to appear at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Abuja on Monday, February 16, 2026. This development follows his return to Nigeria from an overseas trip, with sources confirming his arrival on or before Friday, February 13. The EFCC had previously delivered a letter of invitation to his residence in December 2025, sparking widespread speculation about potential arrest upon his return.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into El-Rufai's tenure began in March 2024 when his successor, Governor Uba Sani, initiated a probe. El-Rufai has challenged the findings of this probe in the Federal High Court, maintaining his innocence and alleging political persecution. Both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) are actively investigating numerous corruption allegations against him and his associates, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Political Tensions and Public Statements
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa on February 11, 2026, El-Rufai expressed concerns about potential arrest by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. He accused the ruling party of pressuring politicians to defect and noted that some of his associates have already been detained. This statement comes amid the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, highlighting the heightened political climate.
El-Rufai has also intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, stating on February 9 that they were never friends, with their strained relationship predating Tinubu's election as the APC presidential flagbearer in 2022. He emphasized, "There is an assumption that I was ever Tinubu's friend. I was not. We never got along. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General (Muhammadu) Buhari."
Future Political Moves
According to sources within the opposition, El-Rufai is not planning to contest any elective position in the 2027 election. Instead, his focus is on mobilizing against President Tinubu's second-term agenda. A prominent associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar revealed that El-Rufai's primary interest is to "send Tinubu and his people back to Lagos," indicating a strategic shift towards political opposition rather than personal candidacy.
This appearance at the EFCC office marks a critical moment in Nigeria's political landscape, blending legal scrutiny with ongoing partisan conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it will likely influence public perception and the dynamics within the APC and broader political spheres.
