“I’m Ready to Swear with the Quran I Didn’t Steal as Governor” – El-Rufai

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has emphatically stated that he did not misappropriate public funds during his eight-year tenure. Speaking during a Hausa program on Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai asserted that his entry into politics was driven solely by a desire to serve the people, not to accumulate wealth or engage in corrupt practices.

The ex-governor’s statement comes after the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted his administration, accusing it of mismanaging over N423 billion during his time in office. El-Rufai, however, has dismissed these allegations, calling them politically motivated and part of a broader attempt to tarnish his reputation and that of his associates.

During the interview, El-Rufai declared his readiness to take an oath on the Quran alongside other former governors and leaders to prove his innocence, stating, “I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money. I’m ready to swear on the Quran to affirm that I never took public funds for personal gain.”

He further expressed his frustration with the allegations, stating that neither he nor his administration had been presented with concrete evidence of the alleged misappropriation. “We were accused without being given specifics on where the money went or who took it,” he said.

El-Rufai also addressed what he described as the witch-hunt of his political allies, many of whom have been summoned by anti-corruption agencies, the ICPC and EFCC. “They are going after my allies with the intention of tarnishing their names,” he remarked, adding that he had prayed and entrusted the matter to God’s judgment.

Despite the accusations, El-Rufai emphasized that he remains focused on his personal life, including reading and writing, and has instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action to defend his name. He reiterated his belief that he would be vindicated, stating, “We have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice.”

Looking ahead, El-Rufai revealed his intention to return to politics after completing his studies, targeting a comeback by 2027. “There is no retirement in politics, and we will continue to serve the people,” he concluded.