El-Rufai very ‘difficult to advice’ amid corruption allegations – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has described ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai as a “very difficult person to advice” amid allegations of corruption.

Speaking on Tuesday during Political Paradigm on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said the former governor’s recent actions have compounded public scrutiny and intensified hostility against him.

“Well, unfortunately, Mallam Nasiru, by character, is a very difficult person to advise,” Baba-Ahmed said. “If he were amenable to counsel, someone would have urged him to undertake damage control.”

He warned that el-Rufai’s public conduct has escalated his legal and political challenges. “There’s a proverb that says, ‘when you find yourself in a ditch, stop digging’. Everything that has happened since his return has only reinforced the hostility against him,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed noted that the former governor initially faced allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure in Kaduna State. According to him, el-Rufai later made statements on live television suggesting personal or close involvement in illegal activities.

“He wrote a letter under his own signature to the National Security Adviser regarding the importation of dangerous substances,” Baba-Ahmed said. “How far do you want to go in this?”

Asked whether el-Rufai should have exercised restraint, Baba-Ahmed said he would have advised focusing on clearing his name. “You are a prominent member of the ADC and more useful as a free man, not encumbered by allegations and disputes. The priority should have been to address claims that you mismanaged Kaduna State funds,” he said.

He further outlined that el-Rufai’s actions have created multiple fronts of scrutiny. “Now, they are saying we have three issues against you. One, answer questions on the custody of Kaduna State’s money. Two, respond regarding your live TV comments about bugging Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s phone,” he said.