Onochie Declares Tinubu Era Over Amid El-Rufai Airport Drama

Former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie has delivered a blistering political assessment in the wake of a dramatic incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Security operatives reportedly attempted to detain El-Rufai upon his return to Nigeria, a move Onochie claims was entirely predictable and orchestrated by political strategists seeking to neutralize potential threats to the established order. Her commentary quickly escalated beyond the airport drama, offering a stark declaration on the current political landscape.

Taking to her verified social media account, Onochie portrayed El-Rufai as a prophetic figure who had already envisioned this confrontation, having allegedly predicted the attempt on his liberty before setting foot in the country. She dismissed the actions of the security agencies not as impartial law enforcement, but as the maneuvers of “predictable political strategists” aiming to curb the influence of prominent political actors currently navigating the opposition landscape.

Onochie’s remarks suggest a deep fracture within the political establishment, hinting at a strategic effort to prevent figures like El-Rufai from replicating their past electoral successes for new platforms. Specifically, she pointed to the impending 2027 general elections, suggesting that the maneuver was designed to stop certain actors from mobilizing support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the same effective manner they once did for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 campaign.

In a stunning assertion that signals a major realignment of loyalties, Onochie bluntly stated, “Tinubu is Gone,” suggesting that the political era of the current president has reached its conclusion. This proclamation, coming from someone formerly embedded within the presidential structure, highlights the intense maneuvering and shifting alliances as the political class begins to position itself for the next electoral cycle.

Meanwhile, Nasir El-Rufai has formally challenged the actions of the security agents, describing the attempt to apprehend him at the airport as legally unfounded. Through his legal counsel, Ubong Esop Akpan, the former governor faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for issuing a letter of invitation while he was known to be out of the country.

The legal team argued that the procedural handling of the matter was flawed, framing the attempted arrest as an intimidation tactic rather than a legitimate legal process. This incident has sparked a broader debate about the use of state apparatus for political objectives, with El-Rufai’s allies decrying what they call a targeted harassment of opposition voices.

As the political drama unfolds, Onochie’s commentary serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where allies can quickly turn into critics and airport dramas can signal major shifts in national leadership. She concluded her fiery message with a prayer for the nation, emphasizing the turbulent times ahead as political actors brace for a intense battle for supremacy in the coming years.

The attempted arrest of El-Rufai, a key figure in the APC’s 2023 victory, underscores the fragility of political alliances and the high stakes involved in Nigerian governance. With figures like Onochie publicly declaring the end of the Tinubu era, the stage is set for a ferocious contest for power within the opposition, with the ADC emerging as a potential powerhouse if they can successfully harness the mobilization skills of veteran strategists like El-Rufai.