Atiku, Amaechi Storm El-Rufai’s Abuja Home After DSS Airport Drama
ABUJA — Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed fresh drama on Thursday night as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi paid separate late-night visits to the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The high-profile visits followed a tense confrontation earlier in the day between El-Rufai and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Airport Standoff
El-Rufai, who recently defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), arrived in Abuja from Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday afternoon. Sources said DSS operatives approached him shortly after landing and allegedly attempted to take him into custody.
However, the former governor reportedly declined to accompany the operatives, insisting on a formal invitation or warrant.
The situation created a brief but tense scene at the airport before he was allowed to leave.
In a related news, headlineawave.ng reports that El rufai is billed to keep a date with the EFCC on Monday February 16, 2026.
As of press time, the DSS had not issued an official statement detailing the reason for the attempted action.
Show of Political Solidarity
Hours later, Atiku Abubakar was seen arriving at El-Rufai’s residence in what observers described as a strategic show of solidarity. Rotimi Amaechi also visited separately, signaling what analysts believe may be a deepening alignment among key opposition figures.
Political watchers say the late-night visits could indicate broader coalition talks ahead of future electoral contests, particularly as opposition leaders reposition themselves in the evolving political climate.
Growing Opposition Realignments?
El-Rufai’s recent move to the ADC has already stirred conversations about possible realignments within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.
With Atiku and Amaechi now visibly standing by him, Thursday’s events may mark the beginning of a new political front.
While the full details of the airport encounter remain unclear, the optics of the incident — followed by high-profile visits — have intensified speculation about shifting alliances and rising political tensions.
More details are expected as the situation unfolds.
