The political landscape of Kaduna State has erupted into a dramatic showdown between former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. What started as a routine transition of power has now escalated into a fierce public battle, with accusations of financial mismanagement, corruption, and political betrayal dominating the headlines.
El-Rufai, known for his assertive leadership style, governed Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, implementing sweeping reforms that were often met with controversy. His successor, Uba Sani, once considered a close ally, has now turned into a fierce critic. The rift widened when Sani, during a Town Hall meeting, accused El-Rufai’s administration of leaving behind a staggering debt burden—$587 million in foreign loans, N85 billion in local debt, and 115 contractual liabilities. He claimed these financial obligations had crippled the state’s ability to pay workers’ salaries and fund essential projects.
El-Rufai wasted no time in firing back. In a press conference held by his former commissioners in Abuja, he dismissed the allegations as a calculated attempt to tarnish his legacy. His allies went on the offensive, questioning the credibility of the report presented by the Kaduna State House of Assembly. They pointed out that Barr. Mahmud Lawal Isma’ila, a key member of the investigative committee, is Governor Sani’s biological brother, raising concerns over bias and political witch-hunting.
The former governor took to social media to intensify his response. In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter) today, he wrote: “When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the truth.” Citing British Prime Minister Tony Blair, he emphasized the importance of governance that delivers tangible benefits to citizens rather than being consumed by political vendettas. He also hinted at selective financial interventions from the Federal Government, alleging that over N150 billion had been funneled to Kaduna State under Sani’s watch, further complicating the financial narrative.
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Beyond the war of words, the crisis has taken a legal turn. Corruption charges have been filed against some of El-Rufai’s former aides, with Bashir Saidu recently denied bail in a high-profile court case. While Sani’s administration insists these legal actions are part of a broader push for accountability, El-Rufai’s camp sees them as an orchestrated effort to silence opposition and rewrite history.
Kaduna residents, meanwhile, are caught in the crossfire. Social media reactions reveal a divided public—some standing firmly with El-Rufai, praising his developmental strides, while others commend Sani for exposing alleged financial mismanagement. However, there is a growing frustration that this political drama is overshadowing urgent governance issues such as education, healthcare, and security.
As this feud continues to unfold, its impact on Kaduna’s political future remains uncertain. Will this battle lead to genuine accountability, or is it merely another episode of Nigeria’s power struggles? We will keep you Updated.
