In a sharply worded statement, the Kaduna Good Governance Forum (KGGF) has strongly condemned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for his continued interference in the governance of the state under Governor Uba Sani. The group expressed deep concerns over El-Rufai’s attempts to undermine the current administration, accusing him of trying to assert control over the state by rewriting history and inciting political instability.
The KGGF argued that El-Rufai’s comments and actions, particularly his recent public statements and threats regarding the 2027 elections, were designed to destabilize the newly elected government. “El-Rufai is not only overstepping his bounds but is also engaging in a form of historical revisionism to present himself as the rightful owner of Kaduna state,” said Comrade Richard Amos, spokesperson for the forum. The group went further to accuse the former governor of harassing and distracting Governor Sani from his duties, calling these actions a direct threat to the democratic process in the state.
Tensions between the two prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures, Uba Sani and Nasir El-Rufai, have been escalating since Sani assumed office as the Governor of Kaduna. The rivalry became particularly pronounced after El-Rufai, whose tenure was marked by controversial policies and a tough stance on security, was blocked by the Senate from becoming the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in 2023. Following this setback, El-Rufai has increasingly become a vocal critic of the APC leadership and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, claiming that the party fosters poor leadership.
In a television interview on Monday, Governor Sani responded to El-Rufai’s criticisms, alleging that the former governor’s attacks on Tinubu were driven by personal interests. Sani also challenged those who believe they can defeat Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race to prepare for the upcoming political contest. In retaliation, El-Rufai responded by accusing Governor Sani of receiving a staggering N150 billion from the federal government, further escalating the already tense political environment.
In its statement, the KGGF expressed its support for Governor Uba Sani, particularly praising his efforts in addressing the security and corruption issues that plagued the state during El-Rufai’s tenure. The forum emphasized that El-Rufai’s threats against the current administration were not just political but a serious challenge to the democratic right of the people of Kaduna to choose their leaders. “The people of Kaduna state have the constitutional right to determine who governs them. El-Rufai’s actions undermine that right and threaten the stability of the state,” Amos stated.
The KGGF also accused El-Rufai of playing a dangerous role in fostering insecurity in the northwest region of Nigeria, particularly pointing to his alleged practice of financially supporting terrorists and bandits during his time in office. The forum has called for a thorough investigation into El-Rufai’s administration, urging authorities to hold him accountable for any actions that may have contributed to the current security crisis in the region. “For a man who, as governor, is believed to have placed terrorists and bandits on state salaries, the threat posed by his interference is not just political—it is existential for the people of Kaduna,” said Amos.
The group urged El-Rufai to stop his revisionist tactics and allow the new government to focus on rebuilding and restoring peace in the state. “It is time for El-Rufai to step back and let Governor Uba Sani govern without undue interference. The people of Kaduna deserve a chance to move forward and heal from the wounds of insecurity and mismanagement inflicted during El-Rufai’s tenure.”
The rising tensions in Kaduna serve as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by Nigerian leaders in balancing political ambitions, governance, and the needs of the people. As the 2027 elections loom on the horizon, the political dynamics in Kaduna will undoubtedly continue to evolve, with El-Rufai’s influence and legacy playing a significant role in shaping the state’s future.
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