Buba Galadima Urges Kwankwaso to Stop El-Rufai's Return

Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), recounted his efforts to dissuade former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai from returning to Nigeria from Egypt after El-Rufai was indicted. Galadima stated he visited NDC presidential running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso and implored him to convince El-Rufai against his return, warning that El-Rufai might face jail time due to his actions.

Galadima criticized President Bola Tinubu and his associates for their ingratitude towards El-Rufai. El-Rufai was arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on February 18, 2026, upon his return from Egypt.

He is facing multiple charges, including corruption, contract fraud, cybercrime, and phone-tapping allegations involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. On May 18, 2026, the Abuja Federal High Court, led by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted El-Rufai a N100 million bail, but he remains in custody due to his inability to meet the stringent bail conditions.