Still On The Travails Of El-Rufai And The Renewed Onslaught Against Opposition -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

Following the hullabaloo that trailed the Mallam Nasir El-Rufai admittance in a television interview on February 13 that he and others intercepted the telephone communication of Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the government has concluded plans to arraign him on Wednesday February 25, 2026 on a 3-count charge of cybercrime and compromising public safety and national security. But while many are concerned about the propriety or otherwise of what El-Rufai did, they have not bothered to ask why he did what he did and why he was bold enough to admit it publicly. Yes, many especially from the APC camp want the fiery, fearless former Kaduna State governor tried and jailed, for that, to them, will weaken the strength of the opposition further.

However, we must not lose sight of the salient questions emanating from the story. In the first place, was the phone of the National Security Adviser actually tapped? And if it so, how many other people or organizations are eavesdropping on the telephone conversations of the country’s foremost security officer? Why was it possible to tap into his telephone conversation? Couldn’t the National Security Adviser protect his phone from being tapped? What is the security implications of such lapses on the part of the NSA? Is it not possible that there is a fifth columnist in the NSA Office? Or is it possible that there is a conscientious person dissatisfied with what is going on in the NSA’s office that is leaking dangerous information for people to be wary? Indeed, there are so many question begging for an answer from the Ribadu-El-Rufai saga.

And there are obvious implications. If the NSA could not protect his phone from outside interference, how can he protect our national security architecture? If it possible to intercept the telephone conversation of the NSA, is it possible too that the terrorists operating in the country are also doing the same and using that to outmaneuver our security officers? Again, if there is a dissatisfied person in the office of the NSA leaking sensitive security information, it means that there is a big problem in the office. In all of these, it is obvious that the NSA has failed us. Rather than blame El-Rufai, I think that the NSA should be held responsible for whatever security breaches that has occurred from his altercation with Mallam El-Rufai.

It is on record that on the 30th of January 2026 that Mallam El-Rufai acting on the intelligence from the opposition camp to which he belongs wrote to Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA, who happens to be his friend and close ally since their time with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president (1999-2007), seeking clarifications about the purported procurement of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic, colorless and odorless compound capable of killing humans in small doses, allegedly imported from Poland by his office. The office of the National Security Adviser was said to have denied the alleged importation of the poison meant to be used on the opposition during electioneering campaign through one O.M Adesuyi, a brigadier general, in the office of the NSA.

And it is possible that Mr. El-Rufai and his group are not convinced about the explanation from the Office of the NSA. Some insinuated that that was probably what led to tapping the calls of the NSA from where he learnt that the NSA gave orders that he should be arrested upon his return from his trip from Egypt. The altercation El-Rufai had with the security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja upon his return from Egypt confirms this. Another question that needs attention here is: why did the NSA issue orders for Mr. El-Rufai’s arrest? This was before he declared that he had intercepted the NSA calls. Is it not connected with the enquiry made by El-Rufai concerning the purported importation of the poisonous substance meant to be used against the opposition?

As members of the ruling APC shout crucify El-Rufai, crucify him, members of the public should not ignore the allegation made by the embattled former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about importation of poisonous substance that the APC intends to use on the opposition during political rallies. Nobody knows who would be victims. It is insinuated that the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo died from inhaled poisonous substance during of the ANPP campaign rallies in 2003. Nigerians should rise and demand public enquiry about the alleged importation of the said thallium sulphate and for what purpose.

That members of the APC are desperate to hang on to power at all costs is not in doubt and because, as I have noted before, they have no visible achievement with which to campaign with, their desperation is made worse. In truth, well-meaning Nigerians are troubled about the APC’s desperation, the assault on our Democracy and the clampdown on the opposition. And so, I advise Nigerians to be watchful and at all times to stand up for what is right. We need to take back our country, safeguard our hard-worn democracy and rebuild our nation. Long live Nigeria!

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com

An actress, social activist, politician

London, UK