Political analyst Ope Banwo has described former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai as a victim of what he termed “political arrogance divorced from power.”
Banwo said El-Rufai’s recent troubles stem from a long-standing habit of speaking and acting as though authority was permanent, even after leaving office.
“Political arrogance becomes fatal when it is no longer backed by power,” Banwo said. “El-Rufai behaved as though proximity to past authority equaled present control.”
He noted that while El-Rufai once wielded considerable influence as governor, the dynamics changed the moment he exited the ruling structure. According to Banwo, failure to adjust to that reality often leads to confrontation with the state.
“El-Rufai mistook access for authority and relevance for immunity,” he said.
Banwo explained that the Nigerian state rarely tolerates public embarrassment from former insiders, especially when accusations are made without substantiation. “Once power decides to act, it does not debate,” he added.
He argued that El-Rufai’s detention by the Department of State Services is less about personal vendetta and more about enforcing hierarchy. “Institutions defend themselves,” Banwo said.
The commentator also pointed to the lack of public outrage as evidence that El-Rufai’s influence had waned significantly. “Political arrogance often blinds individuals to how isolated they have become,” he noted.
Banwo stressed that this development should not be celebrated but studied. “This is not about joy or sorrow. It is about understanding how power works,” he said.
He concluded that arrogance without authority is one of the fastest routes to political downfall in Nigeria. “Power forgives silence, not provocation,” Banwo warned.
