Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai made this strong statement while reacting to a recent incident involving security agencies at the airport. He spoke during a meeting with party members and supporters who gathered to receive him.
According to a report by Voice TV Nigeria, on Friday, February 13, 2026, the former governor used the occasion to address a confrontation that he categorised as both regrettable and wholly avoidable.
He argued that the conduct displayed by the security operatives at the airport was a departure from established protocols and seemed designed to provoke rather than serve any legitimate administrative function.
El-Rufai noted that if there were genuine matters requiring his presence or clarification, the appropriate course of action would have been the issuance of a formal invitation through the correct channels.
He maintained that such a professional approach is the standard expectation in a functional system, contrasting it with what he perceived as a deliberate attempt to cause him public embarrassment or to exert psychological pressure through intimidation.
Throughout his political career, the former governor asserted that he had maintained a consistent posture of cooperation with the law.
He emphasised his readiness to honour any legal summonses or requests from government bodies, provided they are conducted within the framework of the law.
El-Rufai recounted that on previous occasions when he was abroad and required to engage with authorities, his legal representatives had maintained open and proper lines of communication to ensure everything was handled transparently.
The unorthodox approach taken during this recent airport encounter came as a significant shock to him, leading him to question the motivations behind such a shift in procedure.
He expressed his gratitude to the loyal party faithful and the everyday travellers at the airport who witnessed the event and offered their solidarity.
He suggested that the spontaneous support he received was a testament to the fact that the Nigerian public is deeply engaged with the current political climate and is watching the actions of those in power very closely.
It was during this address that he made the statement, “So Nigerians are not stupid. They are not foolish. They may keep quiet. They may not shout, but they know those that are with them. And they know those that are against them.”
Expanding on this sentiment, El-Rufai suggested that a surface-level calm among the populace should never be mistaken for ignorance or indifference.
He pointed out that while the average citizen might not always be vocal or confrontational, they are astute observers of the political landscape and the behaviour of their representatives.
The Nigerian people possess a sharp intuitive sense that allows them to distinguish between leaders who are genuinely committed to the collective welfare and those whose actions are detrimental to the public interest.
He urged his fellow political figures to prioritise unity and maintain a steadfast focus as the country moves toward upcoming electoral cycles.
He concluded by stressing that the endurance of democracy relies heavily on the protection of legal standards and the vibrant, active involvement of the citizenry.
The aftermath of his speech and the airport incident itself have triggered a wide range of discussions across the nation, with analysts and the public alike weighing in on the implications of his words and the conduct of the security services involved.
Watch Video From 00:04:36–00:05:19.
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