The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has accused the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, of deliberately seeking to stir political tension and mislead Nigerians for personal gain.
In a post shared on his official platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Onanuga alleged that el-Rufai’s recent public actions and statements bothering on wire tapping of the National Security Adviser’s telephone, were driven by personal and political motives rather than national interest.
According to him, the former governor is attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and instability in the country through what he described as “calculated misinformation”.
Onanuga wrote: “The truth is: Mallam el-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums. One, to create political tension in the country, create an atmosphere of fear and unrest, and then damage the government through deliberate misinformation. Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations.
“To draw attention to himself and project himself as a victim of persecution, he wants to nationalise his personal problems with his home state government, knowing that Nigerians will not be on his side over corruption charges”.
The presidential spokesman further stated that el-Rufai’s comments “were aimed at shifting public focus from unresolved issues in Kaduna State, where he is reportedly facing corruption-related allegations”.
He noted that rather than addressing those concerns directly, the former governor was attempting to frame himself as a victim of political persecution.
Onanuga also cautioned Nigerians against being swayed by such narratives which he described as self-serving, stressing that “the current administration remains focused on governance, stability, and national development”.
He urged citizens to critically assess political statements and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of undermining peace in Nigeria.
