Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours, putting an end to speculation that he had gone into self-exile. According to a Premium Times report, sources close to the former governor stated that he has notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at their office by 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.

El-Rufai confirmed his imminent return in a brief interview. He had travelled out of the country on November 30, 2025, after attending social engagements in Lagos. It will be recalled that in December, while he was abroad, the EFCC delivered a letter of invitation to his residence, which led to widespread speculation that he might be arrested upon his return.

Since leaving office in 2023, El-Rufai has remained a prominent figure in national politics. He played a decisive role in the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2023 general election. At the time, he joined other APC governors in pressing then-President Muhammadu Buhari to zone the party’s ticket to the South-West, in line with what they described as an internal power-sharing understanding.

After Tinubu’s inauguration, the president nominated El-Rufai for a ministerial position. However, the Senate declined to confirm him, reportedly citing a security report. El-Rufai later asked not to be reconsidered and proposed a former appointee as an alternative nominee.

Relations between the two men subsequently deteriorated. Last year, El-Rufai left the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has since emerged as one of the administration’s most outspoken critics. In March 2024, his successor, Uba Sani, initiated a probe into El-Rufai’s administration. El-Rufai challenged the findings at the federal high court.

Both the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating allegations of corruption linked to his tenure. El-Rufai has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the moves against him amount to political persecution.