The simmering political rivalry between former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has reignited with Sani’s latest biting remarks about El-Rufai’s governance and political stance. The attack is a continuation of their longstanding feud, as Sani accuses El-Rufai of having a severe intolerance for opposition and an “allergy” to criticism, especially in his public life as a leader.
Sani’s remarks came on the heels of El-Rufai’s disillusioned statements regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai recently criticized his own party for its lack of internal democracy, accusing the APC of straying from its foundational principles. At an event in Abuja, El-Rufai lamented that crucial party organs, such as the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Caucus, have not convened in over two years, suggesting that APC had deviated from its original purpose. His comments indicated dissatisfaction with how the party was being managed and questioned its direction under current leadership.
However, Sani wasted no time in countering El-Rufai’s claims, arguing that the former governor has no credibility to offer advice on how to lead or govern. Sani expressed disdain for El-Rufai’s past record in Kaduna, claiming that the ex-governor had a history of stifling opposition, using his power to divide the people of the state, and ultimately leaving behind a legacy of corruption and mismanagement. Sani accused El-Rufai of enriching himself and his close associates by distributing state lands to family members and cronies. He also referred to the former governor’s alleged misuse of religious sentiments to create division, further undermining any claims El-Rufai might make about good governance.
Taking to social media, Sani posted a pointed critique: “The man with a history of undisguised intolerance to opposition and hypersensitive allergy to criticisms has no moral standing to preach about good governance,” he wrote. This remark underscores Sani’s belief that El-Rufai’s past actions render him unqualified to lecture others on leadership and governance.
Sani didn’t hold back in his criticism of El-Rufai’s handling of state finances either, accusing him of overspending and accruing massive debt in Kaduna, which he argues burdened the people. Sani also condemned the former governor for his approach to press freedom, alleging that El-Rufai persecuted journalists who dared to criticize his administration. The senator further accused El-Rufai of “monetizing banditry,” implying that the ex-governor turned a blind eye to rising insecurity in the state, possibly even profiting from it.
At the heart of Sani’s latest remarks is a deep frustration with El-Rufai’s continued political relevance, despite his exit from Kaduna’s gubernatorial office. Sani suggests that El-Rufai’s frustration is rooted in the failure of his puppet regime ambitions in Kaduna, where he hoped to install a governor who would be loyal to him. Instead, Sani argues, El-Rufai is left to grapple with the political fallout of his tenure, as the current government in Kaduna takes a starkly different approach to leadership.
The former governor’s frustration has been compounded by his attempts to remain politically relevant, often appearing at public events in Northern Nigeria where he seemingly fuels sectional sentiments. Sani, however, claims that El-Rufai’s voice is now muted in the national political conversation, and he accuses him of scrambling to regain the influence he once held. Sani’s postulation is that had El-Rufai been appointed to a prominent role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his harsh and divisive leadership style would have silenced any critics of the government, whether from the North or the South.
As the debate over El-Rufai’s legacy continues, both figures are likely to remain key players in the conversation surrounding governance, democracy, and leadership in Nigeria. Their ongoing rivalry only serves to fuel the growing discourse on the future of Nigerian politics and the role of former governors in the country’s political landscape.