The Kaduna State Police Command has issued a formal invitation to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside seven prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They are being summoned in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous bodily harm. According to 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, the ADC State Chairman was instructed to present El-Rufai and the other accused individuals before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8, 2025. List of Individuals Summoned by the Police The document identified the following ADC leaders to appear alongside El-Rufai: The police explained that the summon falls under the case titled:“Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief, and Causing Grievous Hurt.” The authorities stated that the invitation is intended to give the individuals the opportunity to respond to the allegations leveled against them. ADC Office in Kaduna Sealed by Security Operatives In a related development, security operatives sealed off the ADC party office located at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, Kaduna on Wednesday. This occurred only a few hours before the Northwest leadership of the ADC was expected to pay a condolence visit to the state chapter. The visit was scheduled to console members who sustained injuries during a violent attack at a coalition meeting jointly held by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna the previous week. Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that several police patrol vans were deployed to cordon off the premises, thereby preventing party members and visitors from accessing the opposition party’s office. This development has raised further political tension in Kaduna State, especially as opposition party members view the police action as a deliberate move to suppress their activities.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has firmly rejected rumors suggesting that five of its members are backing a possible Nasir El-Rufai and Peter Obi presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. Senator Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, addressed the speculation through an official statement issued by Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the Director-General of the forum. The statement, released on Saturday, condemned the reports and labeled them as baseless fabrications aimed at creating division. PDP Denies Political Endorsements Senator Bala Mohammed emphasized that the PDP Governors Forum strongly opposes these claims, dismissing them as deliberate misinformation spread by individuals seeking to undermine the party’s unity and stability. He stated, “It is essential for the PDP Governors Forum, under my leadership, to categorically refute these misleading reports and the deceptive narratives being promoted by those who are uncomfortable with the progress and performance of our party. These detractors have failed in governance and are now resorting to propaganda to destabilize the opposition.” PDP’s Stand on 2027 Presidential Election According to the forum, opposition elements are attempting to sow discord within the PDP by spreading false claims about secret deals supporting an El-Rufai/Obi ticket. The statement clarified that the party remains committed to upholding democracy and ensuring a fair electoral process. “Certain individuals have been funding factions within our party to weaken its structure. Now, they are shifting their strategy towards direct confrontation with our governors. Their goal is to weaken the opposition and create a single-party dominance through manipulative tactics,” the statement added. The forum reassured party members that the PDP remains focused on unity, reconciliation, and progressive governance. It reiterated that the party’s leadership will fully support its official candidate in the 2027 election rather than engaging in premature speculations. Rejecting Falsehoods and Strengthening Party Cohesion The PDP Governors Forum accused its detractors of being intimidated by the party’s growing influence and the positive governance efforts by its governors across the states. The statement reaffirmed that despite challenges from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP remains resolute in its mission to provide better leadership and economic solutions for Nigerians. “Political rumors and speculations are common, but we will not allow misinformation to mislead Nigerians. Our principles remain firm—equity, social justice, transparency, and good governance,” the forum declared. In conclusion, the PDP Governors Forum reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and vowed to stand by whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. For more updates on Nigerian politics, visit Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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A Surprising Shift in Perspective More than a decade after accusing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of corruption in his book, The Accidental Public Servant (2013), former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made an unexpected reversal. He now acknowledges Atiku’s instrumental role in driving economic reforms during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. This change of stance emerged during a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, where El-Rufai highlighted Atiku’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic policies. The Previous Allegations Against Atiku El-Rufai had previously accused Atiku of corruption, claiming he was involved in dubious dealings during his tenure as vice president (1999–2007). Atiku, in response, refuted these allegations in a 2016 interview with Zero Tolerance, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) publication. He also accused El-Rufai of offering him shares in Transcorp Plc, a claim El-Rufai dismissed, stating that he himself had rejected similar offers. During Atiku’s tenure as vice president, he oversaw the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which was responsible for Nigeria’s privatization efforts. El-Rufai, who led the agency at the time, had previously questioned Atiku’s integrity, citing various alleged financial irregularities. El-Rufai’s Acknowledgment of Atiku’s Economic Impact However, speaking at the condolence visit, El-Rufai stated that Atiku had been instrumental in shaping economic policies under Obasanjo’s administration. “Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policymaking under Obasanjo’s administration. Many of the things we did were under his leadership. Maybe because we don’t document our history, people tend to forget,” El-Rufai remarked. Political Controversy Surrounding the Condolence Visit The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) criticized both Atiku and El-Rufai for allegedly turning the condolence visit into a political spectacle. The group’s National Coordinator, Michael Briggs, described their remarks as disrespectful to the late Chief Clark’s family, accusing them of using the moment to promote political narratives rather than honoring the deceased. “What should have been a solemn visit became a political charade. It was a clear display of insensitivity to the grieving family,” TAN stated. The group further accused El-Rufai of leveraging the occasion to praise Atiku’s economic policies rather than focusing on the essence of the visit. Conclusion El-Rufai’s change in tone regarding Atiku’s economic influence marks a notable shift in Nigerian political dynamics. While some see it as a genuine acknowledgment of past contributions, others interpret it as a strategic political move. Regardless, this development underscores the evolving nature of political alliances and narratives in Nigeria. For further insights into Nigeria’s political history, visit BBC Africa. READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Tinubu Values El-Rufai Despite Criticism: Onoh’s Clarification Denge Dr. Josef Onoh, President Bola Tinubu’s former spokesperson in the South East, has addressed the growing wave of criticism against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State. Onoh clarified that neither the President nor his administration has authorized any disparaging remarks toward El-Rufai. The criticism began after El-Rufai’s remarks on Tinubu’s railway project in Lagos, where he emphasized, “Sensible inclusion always trumps arrogant exclusion.” This statement stirred mixed reactions, with Senator Shehu Sani accusing El-Rufai of lamenting because federal appointments didn’t favor him. Sani also alleged that El-Rufai marginalized Southern Kaduna during his tenure, labeling him silent on nepotism under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Political Allies Speak Out Bayo Onanuga, a presidential aide, defended President Tinubu, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Senator Sani’s criticism of El-Rufai was misplaced. Onoh reinforced Onanuga’s stance, urging the public not to misinterpret Onanuga’s personal comments as a directive from the presidency. “Onanuga has every right to express his views. Being part of the administration doesn’t strip him of his personal liberties,” Onoh explained. “President Tinubu holds El-Rufai in the highest regard, recognizing his immense contributions before and during the campaign.” El-Rufai’s Legacy and Current Role Onoh lauded El-Rufai’s dedication to Tinubu’s vision, emphasizing his bold stance during challenging moments, such as the Central Bank’s controversial naira redesign. “El-Rufai’s support gave us courage when others hesitated,” he said. Under Tinubu’s administration, efforts to foster inclusivity in Kaduna have intensified, with proposals for a federal university in Southern Kaduna and discussions to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan. These initiatives reflect Tinubu’s commitment to national development, signaling a break from past marginalization claims. Onoh Urges Unity Onoh called on political figures to cease personal attacks against El-Rufai, highlighting his enduring friendship with President Tinubu. “El-Rufai’s relationship with the President transcends politics,” Onoh said. “Any attempt to sow discord will fail. True friendship is built on shared vision, commitment, and honesty—not propaganda or appointments.” Onoh concluded by urging respect for constructive criticism while discouraging divisive narratives. “Disrespecting El-Rufai today could lead to disrespect for the President tomorrow. Let’s focus on nation-building instead.” READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
