The political feud between former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his long-time critic, Senator Shehu Sani, has reignited after Sani openly condemned El-Rufai’s administration for its handling of security crises in Southern Kaduna.
During El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, Southern Kaduna was plagued by violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings of clergymen, traditional rulers, and prominent figures. Critics, including Shehu Sani, have long accused him of neglecting the region while fostering a political climate that allowed insecurity to thrive.
Sani, a former senator who fell out with El-Rufai during his time as governor, took to social media to reignite his criticism. He wrote: “For eight years, Southern Kaduna experienced systemic killings, abductions, and arson in their rural communities. God has revealed to you, through a now-deleted tweet, the evil forces behind it. Any parley with such people is an alliance with the devil.”
El-Rufai’s time in office was marred by political controversies, financial mismanagement, and allegations of reckless borrowing, which some claim left Kaduna State heavily indebted. The former governor, once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, has now defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after being sidelined by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite his instrumental role in pushing for the controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023, El-Rufai was eventually dropped from Tinubu’s cabinet, with sources alleging that he was deemed “unfit for government business” due to his track record. This political snub has fueled his aggressive criticism of the current administration, particularly targeting National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Presidential Media Adviser Daniel Bwala, and other key figures.
Read also: You’re a tyrant during your 8-yr rule as gov, Shehu Sani mocks El-Rufai
In a surprising twist, El-Rufai has been seen rallying around opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, figures he once vehemently opposed. His recent visits to Atiku’s residence have sparked speculation about a grand coalition to unseat Tinubu’s government in 2027.
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP has gained momentum, particularly among Northern youths, who view him as a potential challenger to the current administration. Political analysts believe his next move will determine whether he can successfully lead an opposition coalition or fade into irrelevance.
As tensions rise, the battle between El-Rufai, Shehu Sani, and the APC is far from over, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown ahead of the 2027 elections.
