Nigerian group accuses former governor of ‘stoking unrest’ to mask corruption probe

ABUJA — A prominent political advocacy group has accused the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, of spreading “spurious allegations” against the federal government in a calculated attempt to incite national tension and distract from a multi-billion naira corruption investigation. The Democratic Front (TDF) issued a scathing statement on Sunday, labeling Mr. El-Rufai’s recent conduct as “irresponsible” and a “criminal breach of national security.”

Allegations of Chemical Importation

The row centers on claims made by Mr. El-Rufai regarding the alleged importation of Thallium Sulphate—a highly toxic compound—by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The TDF dismissed these claims as entirely false, suggesting they were designed to spark public anxiety.”It is morally wrong for a politically exposed individual to enter the public space with such weighty accusations without relevant documents to back up his claims,” the group stated in a release signed by Chairman Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Wale Adedayo. The group further expressed alarm over Mr. El-Rufai’s reported admission that he was privy to the “illegal tapping” of the telephone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, calling it an affront to the country’s security architecture.

The 432 Billion Naira Question

The TDF alleges that the former governor’s recent outbursts are a “smoke screen” intended to derail an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Backdrop: In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly submitted a report alleging that 432 billion naira ($270m approx.) was diverted or misappropriated during Mr. El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure (2015–2023).

The “Ruse”:

The TDF argues the “thallium scandal” is a deliberate ploy to paint the EFCC’s investigation as “political persecution” rather than a standard anti-graft exercise.Legal ReckoningThe Federal Government has since initiated legal action against the former governor. The TDF has urged authorities to ensure the law takes its course, noting that as a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. El-Rufai should be well-versed in official due process.”He failed to wait for a reply to his official correspondence before inundating the public space with unverified allegations,” the group noted, adding that his behavior was “unbecoming” of a leader of his stature.Mr. El-Rufai, a heavyweight in Nigerian politics known for his outspoken nature, has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to these specific accusations from the TDF.