Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours following widespread speculation that he had gone into self-exile.
Sources close to the former governor disclosed that he is scheduled to arrive in Abuja soon and has formally notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at its office by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.
El-Rufai Confirms Imminent Return
In a brief interview, El-Rufai confirmed that he would be returning to the country shortly. The former governor had travelled abroad on November 30, 2025, after attending social engagements in Lagos a day earlier.
During his absence, the EFCC reportedly delivered an invitation letter to his residence in December 2025, sparking rumours that he might face arrest upon his return.
Ongoing Investigations
Anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are currently investigating corruption allegations linked to his tenure as governor. However, El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the probes as politically motivated.
Political Background And Fallout
El-Rufai played a prominent role in the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections, supporting the zoning of the party’s ticket to the South.
Following Tinubu’s inauguration, he was nominated for a ministerial position but was not confirmed by the Senate reportedly due to a security report. He later declined reconsideration and recommended a replacement.
Relations between El-Rufai and the President have since deteriorated. The former governor left the APC last year to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), becoming one of Tinubu’s outspoken critics.
In March 2024, his successor, Governor Uba Sani, initiated a probe into his administration — a development El-Rufai challenged at the Federal High Court.
More reactions are expected as political observers await his return and appearance before anti-graft authorities.