According to a report by Vanguard on Friday, February 13, 2026, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that the opposition must stay determined in its efforts to remove President Bola Tinubu from office in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai explained that his resolve to work against the current administration strengthened after an incident at an airport where he was allegedly targeted by security agencies.
He described the airport episode as “unfortunate, totally unnecessary, and probably criminal.”
According to him, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were allegedly used by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to detain him without any prior invitation.
El-Rufai stated that while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously invited him for questioning, he had informed them through his lawyer that he was out of the country and would appear on Monday at 10 a.m.
He said he had received no communication from the ICPC before the airport incident.
The former governor further alleged that the ICPC acted on the orders of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
He accused the government of using security agencies to target political opponents.
El-Rufai claimed such actions are a threat to democratic institutions.
He warned that the current administration was attempting to retain power at all costs.
The former governor emphasized that these events had strengthened his determination to work toward the removal of President Tinubu.
He said the opposition must remain united and resolute in its efforts against the government.
The incident at the airport, he stated, was completely unnecessary and likely criminal, showing misuse of power by state agencies.
He said: “The EFCC had written, inviting me but I was out of the country, my lawyer wrote to them that I will return and be there on Monday at 10am.”
