The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of deliberately creating political tension and spreading misinformation to undermine the federal government while diverting attention from serious corruption allegations against him.
In a statement posted on X, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, claimed El-Rufai’s recent actions and public outbursts have two main objectives.
“The truth is: Mallam El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums,” Onanuga wrote. “One, to create political tension in the country, create an atmosphere of fear and unrest, and then damage the government through deliberate misinformation.”
He added that the second motive is “to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations. To draw attention to himself and project himself as a victim of persecution, he wants to nationalise his personal problems with his home state government, knowing that Nigerians will not be on his side over corruption charges.”
The accusations relate to ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial misconduct amounting to ₦432 billion during El-Rufai’s tenure.
The entire 28-member Kaduna State House of Assembly has reportedly endorsed a petition supporting these probes, and both agencies have summoned him for questioning.
Onanuga described El-Rufai’s approach as that of “a drowning man holding on to a straw,” urging him to address the corruption claims head-on instead of deflecting through national controversies.
The statement reflects escalating friction between the former governor and the Tinubu administration, amid broader debates over governance, accountability, and political loyalty in Kaduna and at the federal level.
El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that no evidence of corruption has been substantiated despite years of scrutiny.
