Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has vowed to remain in Nigeria despite alleged threats of arrest, dismissing speculation that he may go into self-imposed exile.

El-Rufai, who has been vocal in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claimed that attempts to intimidate him have been ongoing since July 2024, following a report by the Kaduna State Assembly.

They have sent similar messages of intimidation and threats through many of my friends, family, and political associates because they want me to go on self-imposed exile. I will not,” he declared in response to a post by X user Imran Wakili.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) asserted that silence is no longer an option and revealed that he has put his academic and personal plans on hold to remain in Nigeria.

“I have now put all my previous academic and language-learning plans on hold and will spend more time in Nigeria than ever before. Silence is no longer golden. Inaction has never been an option,” he stated.

El-Rufai, who is currently in Egypt, confirmed that he will return to Nigeria in time for the launch of former President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoirs, scheduled for February 20, 2025.

“For the attention of the pathetic characters that don’t sleep well whenever I am in Nigeria, take notice that I intend to return in time for the launch of Pres IBB’s memoirs, in sha Allah, scheduled for 20th February,” he added.

He further maintained that he does not fear persecution or political attacks, stating, “The arrest, detention, and torture of perceived political enemies are nothing new in human affairs.

“I have been arrested and detained thrice in the past for expressing my views on previous governments.

“We depend on no one but Allah. We fear no mortal but Almighty Allah. We always hope for the best but plan for the worst.”