Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has broken his silence on the perceived abandonment he says he is experiencing amid his own legal and political difficulties, accusing friends, former colleagues and family members of staying quiet when he needed support the most.

El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, said in a recent interview that he has stood by his former colleagues and friends during their various difficulties at considerable personal cost, but now finds himself facing similar challenges without reciprocal support.

"I stood by them during their difficulties at considerable personal cost," El-Rufai said. "But when I am facing my own difficulties, the silence is deafening. It is a strange kind of betrayal when those you have supported through thick and thin do not return the favour."

The former governor did not name specific individuals in the remarks, but said the silence cuts across a wide circle that includes former political allies, long-time friends and family members. He described the experience as isolating, saying he has had to navigate his current challenges largely alone despite his track record of supporting others.

El-Rufai’s comments come at a time when he has been increasingly vocal about the state of Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The former governor has been critical of certain policy decisions and has positioned himself as a voice of opposition within the ruling party, a stance that has drawn both praise and criticism.

Political analysts say El-Rufai’s remarks reflect a broader trend of diminishing trust within Nigeria’s political class, where loyalty is often transactional rather than principled. Some have interpreted his comments as a strategic move to reposition himself ahead of potential future political engagements, while others see it as a genuine expression of hurt over perceived betrayal.

The former governor has faced increased scrutiny since leaving office, including investigations by various government agencies and criticism over his perceived role in certain state decisions during his tenure. Despite these pressures, El-Rufai has remained unapologetic, continuing to speak freely on national issues.

In his comments, El-Rufai also hinted at the personal toll the situation has taken, saying he has had to rely on a small circle of trusted confidants while the broader circle observed from a distance. He said he does not expect everyone to agree with him or support him, but he does expect basic solidarity from those he has supported in the past.

The interview, which was published by Daily Post Nigeria, has sparked reactions on social media, with some users expressing sympathy for El-Rufai’s position while others have questioned the timing and sincerity of his remarks. A number of political commentators have noted that the former governor has often been a polarizing figure, and that his willingness to speak his mind has made both friends and foes over the years.

As El-Rufai continues to navigate his post-governorship period, his comments about silence from his inner circle add another layer to the complex narrative of his political journey. Whether the silence he laments will translate into concrete political consequences remains to be seen, but the former governor has made clear that the experience has left its mark.