Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai Diagnosed with Drug-Resistant Infection

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection caused by Enterococcus faecium, a vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Laboratory reports from Clina-Lancet Laboratories in Abuja, dated October 16 and October 22, 2026, confirmed the presence of the bacterium in a blood culture.

The October 16 report identified the organism after 24 to 48 hours of incubation and indicated that it is resistant to vancomycin but sensitive to other antibiotics. A subsequent medical report from ASK Medical and Diagnostics described El-Rufai, a 66-year-old man, as suffering from dyslipidaemia, persistent headaches, insomnia, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

His blood pressure was recorded at 93/70 mmHg. The report suggested dehydration linked to resistant malaria and possible sepsis, leading to a recommendation for hospital admission, intravenous fluids, and further treatment.

The doctor advised consulting an infectious disease physician regarding the blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity results.