A leaked audio recording has surfaced online, in which former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stated that he was happy about the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
In the audio which was obtained by DAILY NIGERIAN, El-Rufai alleged that Yar’Adua had planned to have him injected with a combination of HIV and Hepatitis virus.
Responding to a question in what appeared to be a question-and-answer session, Mr El-Rufai clarified the caller’s question, insisting that he was happy Mr Yar’Adua died.
“Now, regarding the question about Umaru Yar’Adua, yes, I am grateful to God because I am alive and Umaru is dead. Because he wanted me killed,” El-Rufai said in the audio, adding, “You know, there were plans to inject me with a combination of Hepatitis and HIV if I returned to Nigeria. This is what I heard. I don’t know whether it is true or not true. But the fact that I am alive and he is dead, I should be grateful to God. Everyone has his own fate and destiny.”
Although Newsmax Nigeria could not independently verify the date and location of the recording, the revelation comes amid an internal crisis within the Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, El-Rufai reportedly warned his political opponents, referencing his past conflicts with two former presidents.
“I had fought with two presidents—Umaru Yar’Adua ended up in his grave, while President Goodluck Jonathan ended up in Otuoke,” he declared.
He urged party members to put aside their differences for the sake of unity but warned that he remained a “dogged fighter” ready to confront any opposition.
During the meeting, El-Rufai knelt before party stakeholders, apologizing for any past wrongdoings and calling for reconciliation.
“I implore you to tell me the wrong I did to you, and I will apologize. But if it goes beyond today, I will never tender an apology,” he stated.
One of his political rivals, Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi, made an unexpected appearance at the meeting. Addressing El-Rufai, he acknowledged their political differences while emphasizing his respect for the former governor.
There is a difference between politics and the respect I have for you. If you make a single wrong step in politics, I will not hesitate to correct you,” Hunkuyi said.
The crisis within Kaduna APC continues as factions struggle for dominance, with El-Rufai asserting his influence as the leader of the party in the state.
