A fresh political controversy has erupted after former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, publicly accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of gathering compromising information on political figures.
In a strongly worded statement shared online, Omokri compared El-Rufai to late American financier, Jeffrey Epstein. He claimed that based on comments El-Rufai made during a recent television appearance, it could be argued that the former governor gathers damaging information about others.
Omokri referenced an interview El-Rufai granted on Prime Time on Arise News, where the former governor discussed political developments and internal party matters. According to Omokri, certain remarks made during the interview raised concerns about how sensitive information is obtained and used in Nigeria’s political space.
In his statement, Omokri alleged that six years ago, on May 1, 2020, he experienced multiple hacking attempts on his email and social media accounts. He claimed that at the time, he suspected El-Rufai was behind the attacks. However, no official investigation or court ruling has confirmed those allegations.
Omokri also alleged that he once received an email containing offensive remarks about Southern Nigerian Christian women, which he said prompted him to write about the issue in his newspaper column. He claimed that shortly after publishing the article, he became the target of widespread hacking attempts.
As of the time of this report, El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the fresh accusations. There is also no official confirmation from security agencies linking him to hacking, espionage, or blackmail activities.
The claims have sparked intense debate across social media and political circles. Supporters of El-Rufai have dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, while critics argue that the allegations raise serious questions that deserve investigation.
El-Rufai, who served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains an influential figure in national politics. Before becoming governor, he served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007. He is known for his outspoken style and strong opinions on national issues.
Nigeria’s political environment has often been marked by sharp exchanges between politicians and commentators. As the country moves closer to another election cycle, tensions within and between political parties are rising.
Omokri’s statement mentioned several prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi. He suggested that such leaders should be cautious in their dealings, especially during party primaries.
The reference to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries in his statement has added another political dimension to the controversy. Although El-Rufai’s current political plans remain a matter of public discussion, analysts say internal party contests often bring strong allegations and political rivalry.
Cybersecurity experts also say hacking is a common problem affecting many Nigerians, including journalists, politicians, and private citizens. They warn that without technical proof and official investigation, it is difficult to establish responsibility for cyber attacks.
During his appearance on Arise News, El-Rufai spoke about political strategy and internal party matters. Some viewers interpreted his remarks as suggesting that he has access to political intelligence. However, supporters argue that gathering political information is not the same as engaging in illegal activities.
The controversy also highlights the growing role of television interviews and social media in shaping political debate. Statements made during live broadcasts can quickly spread and generate strong reactions.
For now, the accusations made by Reno Omokri remain allegations without official confirmation. El-Rufai has not been found guilty of any criminal conduct related to hacking or espionage by any court of law.
The coming days may determine whether the matter escalates further or fades as another episode in Nigeria’s lively political landscape. What remains clear is that the exchange has once again drawn attention to the intense rivalry and sharp language that often define political debate in the country.