Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has condemned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over his reported claim that he intercepted the phone communications of National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Baba-Ahmed described the disclosure as an act of “sheer arrogance”, questioning why a former governor would publicly admit to allegedly intercepting the communications of a senior security official.
He made the remarks during an appearance on MIC ON PODCAST, while responding to a question about the level of poverty in northern Nigeria.
El-Rufai had reportedly disclosed during a live interview on Arise TV in February that he intercepted communications belonging to Ribadu.
Reacting to the disclosure, Baba-Ahmed questioned what could have motivated the former governor to make such a statement publicly.
“Once you give money to Buhari’s people, you can have your way. That is why Nasir El-Rufai will come out and tell you that he’s tapping the phone of the security adviser,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He expressed disbelief that El-Rufai would openly discuss the alleged interception, describing the disclosure as a product of what he called arrogance.
“I mean, if not sheer arrogance from money you’ve spent, how dare, on earth, even if you’re drunk, would you say something like that?” he asked.
Baba-Ahmed subsequently broadened his criticism to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that financial influence played a significant role in determining access to political power during the administration.
“Even if you’re insane, they have spent enough money in Buhari’s house, the most corrupt, immoral institution, organ in Nigeria,” he alleged.
He further claimed that President Bola Tinubu recognised what he described as weaknesses within Buhari’s political circle and subsequently took advantage of them.
“So, uncle (Tinubu) saw that weakness, and he exploited it to the fullest,” Baba-Ahmed added.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and was a prominent figure in Buhari’s administration before Tinubu assumed office as president in May 2023.
Baba-Ahmed was Peter Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party platform during the 2023 presidential election. The ticket finished third behind Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The latest comments add to the growing political debate among opposition figures and former members of previous administrations over the conduct of political leaders and the exercise of power in Nigeria.
