The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, of spreading false claims in an attempt to inflame political tension and divert attention from corruption allegations amounting to ₦432 billion linked to his administration.
The dispute follows a letter El Rufai wrote to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, dated February 11, 2026. In the letter, which he later shared on his verified X account, the former governor sought clarification over reports alleging that the Office of the National Security Adviser imported about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly toxic and regulated substance, from a supplier in Poland. El Rufai said he raised the issue as a concerned citizen to prevent potential misuse and safeguard national security.
Reacting, the Presidency dismissed the allegation as unfounded. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said there was no record of such procurement or importation by the NSA’s office. He described the claim as deliberate misinformation aimed at creating fear and undermining the Federal Government.
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Ajayi further alleged that the move was part of a broader attempt to shift public focus away from ongoing investigations into financial activities during El Rufai’s tenure in Kaduna State. He said the former governor was seeking to destabilise the political environment by introducing unverified security concerns into public discourse.
The corruption allegations against El Rufai stem from a 2024 probe by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. An ad hoc committee accused his administration of financial mismanagement involving sums reported to be between ₦423 billion and ₦432 billion. The panel also cited inherited liabilities, including external and domestic debts and outstanding contractual obligations now being handled by the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
Following the report, the Kaduna Assembly petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the matter. Both anti graft agencies have invited El Rufai for questioning. However, details of the investigations and any findings have not been made public.
El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically driven. He has filed a legal action seeking ₦1 billion in damages against the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the state government, arguing that the probe violated due process and denied him fair hearing.
The latest exchange adds to growing political friction between El Rufai and elements within the Federal Government. In recent months, the former governor has openly criticised what he describes as excessive actions by security agencies and federal authorities.
As investigations by the EFCC and ICPC continue, attention remains on whether further evidence will emerge regarding the corruption claims, and whether the controversy surrounding the alleged thallium sulphate importation will yield any official clarification. The Presidency has challenged El Rufai to make public any formal response from the NSA’s office to support his claims.
The unfolding developments reflect the high stakes and sharp divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape as legal scrutiny and public debate intensify.
