No Retreat, No Surrender: Aisha El-Rufai Backs Ashiru Amid Audio Scandal

According to Ireporter Online, Aisha El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, has publicly reaffirmed her support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Ashiru, despite a leaked audio recording that has sparked controversy on social media.

The widely circulated audio is alleged to contain a telephone conversation between Ashiru and a prominent figure from Southern Kaduna. In the recording, the speaker is purported to have made critical remarks about El-Rufai and suggested that the move to join the ADC was a calculated political strategy aimed at securing the party’s governorship ticket. The voice also referenced divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming internal factions were engaged in legal battles over control of the party structure.

Reacting to the development via her Facebook page, Aisha El-Rufai dismissed the controversy and expressed unwavering support, stating that she remains undeterred regardless of the allegations surrounding the audio. She emphasized that neither recordings nor documents would alter her political stance, insisting that Isa Ashiru would not be swayed by attacks directed at her family or allies.

Meanwhile, a senior ADC figure in Kaduna North and a known ally of Ashiru has dismissed the authenticity of the leaked audio, describing it as fabricated. The party source alleged that the recording may have been manipulated using artificial intelligence technology and accused political opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at damaging Ashiru’s reputation ahead of future political contests.

Another party insider confirmed that loyalists of the former governor within the ADC convened a meeting on Sunday to assess the situation and reaffirm their commitment to protecting El-Rufai’s political interests in the state. The source added that further consultations are expected to determine their collective position in response to the ongoing controversy.