The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of attempting to create political tension and distract from corruption allegations in his home state.

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, made the claim in a post on his verified X account on Monday. He alleged that El-Rufai was deliberately spreading misinformation to undermine the Federal Government.

According to Ajayi, the former governor’s recent actions are aimed at portraying himself as a victim of political persecution while shifting public attention from what he described as “massive corruption allegations” in Kaduna State.

“El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums. One, to create political tension in the country and an atmosphere of fear and unrest. Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State,” Ajayi wrote.

The comments follow El-Rufai’s recent interview on a national television station, during which he criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government after returning to the country.

His remarks came amid reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, an incident that has sparked nationwide debate.

El-Rufai has yet to respond publicly to the latest allegations from the Presidency.