The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding an alleged plan by the Office of the National Security Adviser to procure a hazardous chemical substance, describing the assertion as unfounded.
El-Rufai had written a letter dated January 30, 2026, to the National Security Adviser seeking clarification over information suggesting that thallium sulphate was to be imported from Poland.
The former governor later made the letter public through his verified X account.
Reacting to the development, the Presidency maintained that no such procurement or importation was initiated through the National Security Adviser’s office, insisting that the allegation lacked merit.
In a statement shared on X, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said El-Rufai had already received an official response from the security office and urged him to release it to the public for transparency.
Ajayi accused the former governor of attempting to generate unnecessary political tension and misinform Nigerians, alleging that his actions were calculated to create fear and discredit the administration.
The presidential aide further alleged that El-Rufai’s recent statements were aimed at shifting attention away from corruption allegations levelled against him in Kaduna State, where petitions have reportedly been submitted to anti corruption agencies.
He added that the matter had no connection with President Bola Tinubu or the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urging the former governor to address the accusations against him.
The Presidency also claimed that the former governor had lost the backing of major political stakeholders in Kaduna, including members of the State House of Assembly who allegedly supported petitions requesting investigations into financial dealings during his administration.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is expected to honour an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, according to his lawyer, Ubong Esop Akpan, who confirmed his client’s readiness to appear before the commission. The counsel also spoke on an alleged attempt to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following his return from Cairo, Egypt.
The former governor also disclosed receiving a separate invitation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and said arrangements had been made for him to appear before the agency on February 18.
In his correspondence, El-Rufai described thallium sulphate as a highly dangerous and strictly regulated substance, stressing the importance of transparency and public assurance over any proposed importation.
He requested details on the intended application of the chemical, regulatory approvals, storage procedures and safety safeguards, as well as coordination with relevant health and regulatory bodies.
El-Rufai maintained that his inquiry was made in good faith, noting that openness and accountability by public institutions would help strengthen public confidence and prevent unnecessary anxiety.
