ADC Chieftain Claims Tinubu and APC Fear El-Rufai’s Political Influence
ADC chieftain and former broadcaster Mohammed Barde said President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regard former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a political threat, describing them as “very, very scared” of him.
Barde made the remarks during an interview with Trust TV on Friday, noting that El‑Rufai’s increasing influence within Nigeria’s political landscape has unsettled the ruling party and the Presidency.
He alleged that the former governor’s stature makes him a source of concern for APC leadership, adding that the President and government officials are fearful of El‑Rufai.
Barde described El‑Rufai as an enigma to the APC and the Presidency, claiming they do not want him to be free and therefore keep him under legal scrutiny.
The ADC stalwart offered no evidence to support his allegation.
Barde pointed out that other former governors who have faced allegations of more serious misconduct remain free, while El‑Rufai is being prosecuted, suggesting selective treatment due to his political relevance.
When asked why opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have not faced similar legal action, Barde said El‑Rufai occupies a unique position in the country’s political equation.
He reiterated that the situation arises because Tinubu and APC members fear El‑Rufai.
Barde also noted that El‑Rufai played a key role in the political rise of Tinubu and several other national leaders, contributing to their successes without receiving due recognition.
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