The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday launched a sharp criticism of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of deliberately stoking political tension and attempting to deflect attention from corruption allegations.
In a post shared via his verified X account, Onanuga alleged that El-Rufai’s recent actions were driven by two clear intentions: to destabilise the political atmosphere and to shift focus away from what he described as “massive corruption allegations” in Kaduna State.
“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 further alleged that the former governor was seeking to “nationalise his personal problems” with the Kaduna State Government by portraying himself as a victim of persecution.
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“Two, 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,” Onanuga added.
The comments come amid heightened political exchanges involving El-Rufai, who has remained an outspoken figure in national discourse since leaving office. While the former governor has previously pushed back against allegations levelled against him, the Kaduna State Government has indicated that investigations into financial matters during his tenure are ongoing.
Onanuga’s remarks underscore the deepening political divisions within the country’s elite circles, as public disagreements increasingly play out on social media platforms.
As of press time, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the latest claims.