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Parties Trade Blame as Police Probe El-Rufai for Criminal Conspiracy

Kaduna — A police invitation to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has triggered a fresh political storm, pitting opposition leaders against the ruling party amid accusations of witch-hunt, authoritarian drift, and worsening insecurity.

In a letter dated 4 September and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Uzairu Abdullahi, the State Criminal Investigation Department summoned El-Rufai and six allies — including his former Chief of Staff, Bashir Sa’idu, and key African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains — over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and causing grievous harm. They are expected to appear before investigators on 8 September.

El-Rufai vs Kaduna Govt: From Allies to Bitter Rivals

The summons follows months of growing friction between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, once seen as political protégés turned adversaries.
Tensions spiked after El-Rufai’s loyalists were trounced in August bye-elections, and violence marred an ADC transition committee meeting in Kaduna last weekend. Attendees were reportedly attacked by armed thugs, leaving injuries and destruction in their wake.

While the police blamed El-Rufai for organising what they called an “illegal and chaotic meeting,” the former governor fired back, accusing the state of unleashing sponsored thugs and attempting to silence him after he criticised government policy on banditry.

The Kaduna government insists El-Rufai is guilty of “provocation, manipulation, and incitement,” while the ex-governor maintains he is the victim of a political crackdown.

Atiku, ADC Cry Witch-hunt

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the summons as part of what he described as “a coordinated assault on civic freedoms and dissenting voices” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“These incidents are not isolated,” Atiku said, citing not only El-Rufai’s ordeal but also attacks on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and the Katsina Elders Forum. “They represent a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. Criminalising opposition will only push Nigeria closer to the brink.”

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi also accused the police of complicity, alleging officers stood idle while ADC members were attacked. He demanded the withdrawal of El-Rufai’s summons, the reopening of the party’s Kaduna office, and prosecution of those behind political violence.

APC, Middle Belt Push Back

But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed claims of persecution. Its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, insisted El-Rufai must answer to the police:
“Being a politician does not place you above the law. If he is innocent, the courts will clear him. Every police invitation cannot be dismissed as witch-hunt.”

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) went further, warning political parties against embracing El-Rufai ahead of 2027. Its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, labelled the former governor a “political virus” whose “toxic relationship” with Southern Kaduna could sink any coalition.

“Southern Kaduna is central to the Middle Belt’s identity. Insulting the region is insulting millions of voters. Anyone aligning with El-Rufai should prepare for rejection,” Binniyat said.

PDP: ‘El-Rufai Reaping What He Sow’

In Kaduna, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the summons exposed Governor Uba Sani’s alleged misuse of security agencies against political opponents.
“This is a clear case of witch-hunt,” said state PDP spokesperson Maria Dogo. “Those who refuse to bow to the governor’s camp are being hounded. El-Rufai is simply reaping what he sowed.”

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna