An Islamic human rights organization, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has warned the federal government against attempting to intimidate Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. This warning comes after El-Rufai recently hinted at the possibility of an arrest due to his outspoken criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government and his alleged connections with opposition figures as the 2027 general elections approach.
MURIC’s statement, issued on February 12, 2024, criticized any attempt to silence El-Rufai, suggesting that such actions would tarnish the democratic reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, made the call in a statement that highlighted El-Rufai’s significant role in the success of the APC during the 2023 elections. Akintola argued that intimidating the former governor would not only damage the reputation of the government but also risk portraying it as one that is against free speech and political dissent.
“Considering the immense contribution of former Governor El-Rufai to the victory of the ruling party at the 2023 general elections as well as the big role played by him in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the indisputable occupant of Aso Rock today, we would like to advise the federal government against intimidating the former governor if the rumour is true,” Akintola said in the statement.
He further warned that any such action would stain the image of the administration and damage the global perception of Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
“Doing so will stain the good name of the Tinubu administration as a democratic government and portray it as one willing to crack down on dissent,” Akintola added.
The warning from MURIC follows comments made by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who suggested that the federal government might be planning to arrest him due to his recent criticisms of the APC government. El-Rufai, a former ally of President Tinubu, has been vocal about his concerns over the direction of the party and the government, as well as his alleged dealings with opposition figures as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.
Although El-Rufai did not provide concrete evidence of any formal plans for his arrest, his remarks have sparked concerns among his supporters and political observers alike. These concerns center on whether the government might seek to stifle political opposition and dissent, especially as the country heads towards another major electoral cycle.
El-Rufai’s relationship with the ruling APC has become strained in recent months, particularly after he left office as governor of Kaduna State in May 2023. Since then, his public remarks about the political landscape have raised eyebrows, and some observers believe his criticisms of the government could be seen as a threat to the ruling party’s unity.
MURIC’s statement also touched on the broader implications of any potential actions against El-Rufai. The organization reminded the federal government that in today’s globalized world, the perception of Nigeria’s political environment is critical. Any action perceived as politically motivated or an attempt to silence a vocal critic could result in international condemnation and a loss of respect for the country’s democratic institutions.
“On the contrary, with the realization that we now live in a global village, allowing El-Rufai to move freely in and out of the country will continue to earn the federal government humongous modicum of respect from the rest of the world,” Akintola stated.
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has long been a prominent figure within Nigerian politics, especially in the APC. As governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai was known for his no-nonsense approach to governance and his ambitious reform programs. His tenure was marked by both praise for his infrastructural development and criticism for his sometimes-controversial policies.
However, since stepping down as governor, El-Rufai has become more vocal about his views on the APC and the direction of the government. His comments about opposition leaders and his criticisms of the ruling party have raised concerns within APC circles, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
