No Retreat, No Surrender – Aisha El-Rufai Declares Support For Ashiru Despite Audio Scandal

The wife of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, Aisha El-Rufai, has declared support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Ashiru despite a leaked audio recording.

Naija News understands that the audio, which has been widely circulated on social media, is said to contain a phone conversation between Ashiru and an elder from Southern Kaduna.

In the recording, the speaker allegedly criticises El-Rufai. He claimed that joining the ADC was primarily a political strategy to secure the party’s governorship ticket.

“We only went to the ADC to obtain the party ticket so that we could move forward. The PDP is already divided into two factions. Wike is leading one faction, while Tanimu Turaki is leading the other, and both sides are in court,” the voice in the recording said.

However, in a post on her Facebook page, Aisha said, “No retreat, no surrender. Kicking and struggling do not prevent death.

“Audio, letters, videos, whatever they are, even if Isa Ashiru will deal with not only Malam El-Rufai but the whole family. I said it is only one term; there will be no reverse, God willing.”

Speaking on the recording, a prominent ADC figure in Kaduna North and an ally of Ashiru told Daily Trust that it was fake.

“We don’t believe it was his voice. In this era of Artificial Intelligence, anything is possible. They only doctored the audio to suit their attempt to tarnish Ashiru’s image before the public.”

The source accused political opponents of orchestrating a smear campaign against Ashiru ahead of future political contests.

Another source said that the content of the audio was surprising, adding that loyalists of the former governor met on Sunday to deliberate on the implications of the leaked recording and to reassure party members of their continued support for El-Rufai.

“As loyalists of El-Rufai within the party, we met today to discuss the issue and to make it clear that our loyalty remains with him. We will do everything within our powers to protect his image in Kaduna State,” the source said.

The party chieftain, however, declined further comment, saying another meeting would be held soon to determine the position of El-Rufai’s loyalists within the ADC.