Former Kaduna State Governor, , has said the current administration is uncomfortable with his return to Nigeria, insisting that the political effort to unseat the government has only just begun.

El-Rufai made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, where he said he openly opposed the government from its early days and made his position clear.

He dismissed claims of wrongdoing against him, stating that any genuine allegations would have been resolved long ago. According to him, he remains ready to respond to any lawful invitation, stressing that accusations must be backed by evidence.

The former governor explained that his fallout with the current administration is rooted in differing objectives, noting that what the government represents now is different from what he initially supported. He said political disagreements should be handled peacefully and without personal animosity.

Speaking on his relationship with President , El-Rufai said there was no personal conflict between them, adding that they only came together politically within the during the rise of former President . He recalled that there was an understanding within the party that power would shift to the South-West after Buhari’s tenure.

On his successor as governor of Kaduna, El-Rufai described him as his political son and denied claims of a personal rift, saying their differences are limited to political objectives.

El-Rufai emphasised that political conflicts should not be personalised, noting that reconciliation is common in politics. He called for unity among opposition figures, saying the time had come to put past disagreements aside to address hardship, oppression, and unemployment in .

While stating that he has no immediate ambition to contest for any elective office, El-Rufai said his focus is on contributing to the removal of the current government, arguing that since he played a role in bringing it to power, he also has a responsibility to oppose it.

He further alleged that attempts to stop him at the airport were deliberate, claiming that those in power would rather see him remain abroad. According to him, his return has only strengthened his resolve, adding that political struggle energises him and that efforts to organise against the government will intensify.