“El-Rufai Is a Very Difficult Person to Advise” — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has urged former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to prioritize clearing his name over corruption allegations.

Speaking on Tuesday on *Political Paradigm* on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said, “If I were to advise El-Rufai, there are so few fronts that you’d fight. Limit the damage and focus on resolving the allegations that you misappropriated public funds.” He added that the disputes should be addressed in court rather than dismissed as political theatrics.

The remarks came amid a growing conflict between El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, following El-Rufai’s claims that Ribadu ordered his detention at Abuja airport and interfered in investigations for political purposes. Ribadu has denied all allegations, insisting that agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operate independently.

Baba-Ahmed described the breakdown in their relationship as a reflection of deeper issues in Nigeria’s political culture. “Both men once had a close personal and professional relationship. That it has deteriorated to threats of legal action shows a troubling trend in our politics,” he said.

The two were influential figures during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and maintained a strong bond into El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna governor.