The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of deliberately stirring unrest across the country for personal motives.
Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, made the remarks in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Monday, the 16th of February, 2026.
Ajayi alleged that the former governor’s recent comments were aimed at shifting focus from serious corruption allegations reportedly trailing him in Kaduna State. He further claimed that El-Rufai has been spreading misinformation in a calculated attempt to undermine the current administration.
According to Ajayi, the ex-governor is seeking public sympathy by portraying himself as a victim, while attempting to elevate what he described as personal political challenges into a national issue. He added that El-Rufai is aware that Nigerians may not rally behind him in light of the corruption accusations.
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“El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums. One, to create political tension in the country, create an atmosphere of fear and unrest.
“Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations,” Ajayi wrote.
The development follows El-Rufai’s recent appearance on a national television programme where he criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government shortly after returning to Nigeria.
Reports also indicate that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, an incident that has since sparked widespread national debate.