Former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasiru El-Rufai has said he can swear by the Holy Qur’an that he did not steal public funds while in office, challenging his predecessors and other leaders to do the same.
He also announced plans to return to politic in 2027 after he must have finished his studies.
Speaking in Hausa during a live programme on Freedom Radio Kaduna, El-Rufai stated that he joined politics to serve the people and not to enrich himself.
He insisted he was financially content before becoming Governor.
“I did not go into politics to steal money. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor. I am ready to swear with the Qur’an to prove my innocence if other former governors and current leaders would do the same,” he said.
El-Rufai, who served as Governor between 2015 and 2023, claimed that his administration has been accused without evidence of misappropriation.
He alleged his aides were being targeted by anti-corruption agencies as part of a smear campaign.
“My aides are being invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. However, there is no evidence showing where money went missing or who took it,” he added.
The former Governor said he has left everything to Allah’s judgment and has prayed for guidance in all his actions.
He also disclosed he has directed his lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing his name.
“I am not worried. I know I never took money that belonged to the people, and I will remain focused on my personal activities, like reading and writing,” El-Rufai said.
He further announced plans to return to politics in 2027 after completing his studies, reaffirming that his focus remains on serving the people.
“There is no retirement in politics. By the will of Allah, we will return and continue serving the people,” he concluded.
By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
Source: The Nation
