The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of attempting to destabilise the country through what it described as deliberate misinformation and politically charged attacks on the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, alleged that El-Rufai’s recent comments were aimed at inciting political tension and deflecting attention from corruption allegations linked to his administration in Kaduna State.
According to the Presidency, the former governor’s criticisms of the current administration are calculated and driven by personal interests rather than national concern.
“The truth is that Mallam El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent outbursts,” Onanuga said. “One is to create tension and an atmosphere of unrest in the country through deliberate misinformation. The second is to divert attention from the serious corruption allegations he is facing in Kaduna State.”
The statement further claimed that El-Rufai was attempting to project himself as a victim by elevating what it described as local political and legal challenges to the national stage.
“He wants to nationalise his personal problems in order to gain sympathy and portray himself as being persecuted, knowing full well that Nigerians will not support him over corruption-related issues,” the Presidency stated.
El-Rufai, who previously served as a minister and was once aligned with the present administration, has in recent weeks voiced concerns over governance, national security and policy direction.
Part of the controversy stems from a letter he wrote to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu. In the correspondence, El-Rufai sought clarification over the alleged procurement of thallium sulphate by the agency.
The letter, dated January 30, 2026, and acknowledged on February 11, 2026, stated that he was writing “as a concerned citizen” to request details regarding the reported acquisition of about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a Polish supplier.
Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic compound historically used as a rodenticide and insecticide. Due to its extreme toxicity - with a fatal dose estimated at 8 to 12 milligrams per kilogram of body weight - its use is tightly regulated or banned in many countries. The chemical interferes with potassium functions in the body and can cause severe neurological damage and death.
In his letter titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” El-Rufai asked for information on the purpose of the substance, the identity of the supplier, compliance with regulatory permits, storage and safety measures, and coordination with agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, it is important - for public safety, democratic accountability and maintaining public trust - to clarify the circumstances surrounding this procurement,” he wrote.
Responding, the Office of the National Security Adviser challenged the former governor to provide evidence to substantiate his claims, stressing that allegations touching on national security must be supported by credible proof.
The Presidency concluded that politicising sensitive security matters and circulating unverified claims could erode public confidence and threaten national stability.
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