El‑Rufai’s National Outcry: A Strategic Deflection From Deepening Corruption Allegations in Kaduna State
In recent weeks, Malam Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai — the former Governor of Kaduna State — has thrust himself back into the national spotlight by publicly confronting the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and its head, Nuhu Ribadu, over claims of an alleged procurement of a highly toxic chemical compound. But beneath this conflict lies a far deeper and more consequential controversy: credible and mounting allegations of financial misconduct tied to El‑Rufai’s eight‑year tenure as governor.
As political observers and commentators seek to interpret his motives, it has become increasingly clear that El‑Rufai’s latest narrative may be less about national security and more about reshaping public focus away from long‑standing corruption claims and legal scrutiny emanating from his home state Kaduna.
From Kaduna to Abuja: The Thallium Sulphate Controversy
On January 30, 2026, El‑Rufai addressed a letter to NSA Nuhu Ribadu, demanding an official response to unverified reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser had imported approximately ten kilograms of thallium sulphate — a substance classified internationally as extremely toxic and strictly controlled.
In his letter, El‑Rufai outlined pointed queries:
What was the intended purpose for acquiring the compound?
Who supplied it and under what legal authority was it procured?
Were public‑health agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control involved in oversight?
And crucially, was there a public‑health risk assessment before its importation?
El‑Rufai framed his letter as a call for transparency and public reassurance — a noble aim on the surface. However, ONSA swiftly rejected the allegation, insisting no such procurement took place and referring the issue to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation. The office also demanded that El‑Rufai provide credible evidence if he had any to substantiate his claim.
Adding fuel to the controversy, El‑Rufai’s camp has also suggested that he intercepted private communications involving the NSA and alleged that orders were given for law enforcement operatives to detain him — a claim that both the DSS and civil‑society groups have denounced as unsubstantiated and inflammatory.
The Bigger Story Back Home: Corruption Allegations in Kaduna State
While this titanic clash with the NSA dominates headlines, an arguably more significant drama has been unfolding quietly back in Kaduna State itself.
During his two terms as governor from 2015 to 2023, El‑Rufai’s administration came under intense scrutiny by the state legislature. An ad‑hoc committee established by the Kaduna State House of Assembly launched a detailed probe into financial dealings, loans, contracts, and project awards during his governance. In June 2024, the committee’s report concluded that nearly ₦423 billion in public funds were mismanaged, siphoned, or diverted — and recommended that anti‑graft agencies immediately investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Rather than cooperate with the Assembly’s findings, El‑Rufai filed a fundamental rights lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, challenging the constitutionality of the Assembly’s report and claiming that he was denied a fair hearing before its adoption. This legal avenue underscores the former governor’s staunch refusal to publicly engage with the corruption claims.
Public and Civil‑Society Pressure Intensifies
In addition to political opposition, civil‑society organisations have rallied behind the call for accountability. Notably, groups like The Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance petitioned both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate El‑Rufai and his senior officials over alleged looting, mismanagement, and illegal financial administration during his tenure.
Another organisation — the Northern Christians Accord (NCA) — publicly issued ultimatums demanding that anti‑graft agencies arrest El‑Rufai within 72 hours, citing the Assembly’s report and alleged evidence of misappropriation. That ultimatum, which generated widespread media coverage, highlighted growing frustration among civic voices over what they described as reluctance by federal authorities to act decisively on corruption accusations.
These advocacy efforts reflect deep public concern regarding governance, transparency, and the rule of law — sentiments amplified by El‑Rufai’s ongoing political influence and high national profile.
Controversy vs. Accountability: A Deflection Strategy?
Given this backdrop, many analysts and observers interpret El‑Rufai’s recent media storms — including the thallium sulphate claims and attacks on security institutions — as a deliberate strategy of distraction.
Instead of addressing the serious allegations of financial misconduct that have roiled his home state for years, El‑Rufai appears determined to nationalise his personal grievances and recast himself as the victim of political persecution. By insinuating that the nation’s security elite are engaging in clandestine activities, he shifts the narrative away from judicial and administrative inquiry into his own record. This can create an atmosphere of political drama and fear — and potentially deflect critical public attention from corruption charges and legislative indictments that he cannot easily deny.
The Loss of Political Capital
Perhaps most telling is the erosion of support El‑Rufai has experienced among key stakeholders in Kaduna. The once‑powerful political figure has found himself losing support from former allies, including his successor and erstwhile close political partner, Governor Uba Sani. That dissolution of political alliances underscores how deeply the corruption allegations have fractured El‑Rufai’s influence within his own political base.
Moreover, the Kaduna State House of Assembly — once dominated by political interests aligned with El‑Rufai — has moved decisively toward holding him accountable. That institutional shift reveals the extent to which his leadership legacy has come under question in the very state that elected him twice.
Time for Reflection and Accountability
The current scenario invites a critical examination of leadership accountability in Nigerian politics. El‑Rufai’s allegations against the NSA have stirred debate, but they have not yet produced verifiable evidence. Meanwhile, the corruption allegations rooted in financial mismanagement of public funds remain active and have been substantiated by official legislative inquiries and widespread civil‑society demands for legal action.
For a public figure with national reach and influence, the choice to escalate political tensions rather than confront local accountability casts a shadow over claims of patriotism and civic concern. If El‑Rufai genuinely believes in transparency and democratic due process, then the most constructive step forward would be to engage openly with investigations in Kaduna, respect judicial procedures, and allow institutions to do their work without further inflaming national discourse.
In a democratic society, allegations must be met with evidence, not innuendo. Questions about national security procurement deserve clarity and investigation — but so too do the financial irregularities that have left many in Kaduna anxious for answers and justice.
👉 Final Thought
Leadership is not measured by loud accusations or polarising rhetoric. True leadership is shown through accountability, cooperation with established institutions, and courage to face scrutiny, even when it is uncomfortable. Former governors and national figures like El‑Rufai owe it to the people — particularly the citizens of Kaduna — to answer serious corruption allegations with transparency and honour, not diversion.
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