Nasir El-Rufai has accused the Federal Government of using state power to intimidate political opponents. This comes as a major shock to the political system, as El-Rufai was once a core pillar of the ruling party before his recent defection.
The Bigger Picture: This situation is unfolding alongside other high-profile legal battles involving former government officials:
The Malami Case: Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (who also moved to the ADC) is currently facing trial. He is accused of money laundering and, more recently, terrorism financing—charges he claims are purely political "witch-hunts."
Weakening the Opposition: El-Rufai believes these arrests are not about fighting crime, but about weakening opposition voices before the next round of elections.
Friction with the Presidency: The relationship between the former governor and his old party has completely soured, leading to what many see as a high-stakes "political war."
