Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central District senator, has accused detained former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of facing consequences for alleged misdeeds during his tenure, citing legal violations, governance failures, and security neglect in Kaduna State. Sani made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Friday, responding to El-Rufai’s recent claim that he had been deserted by allies. El-Rufai, currently detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over corruption allegations, had expressed frustration in a Facebook post titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath.”
Sani emphasized that losing allies after leaving office is natural, drawing from his own experience of being “in the gulag for a long time.” He argued that El-Rufai’s current predicament reflects the “price of his misgovernance and irresponsibility” while in power. “When you are in office, it is an opportunity, and it is a very temporary opportunity,” Sani said, urging leaders to act with accountability. His comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of El-Rufai’s administration, which faced accusations of arbitrary use of state power and disregard for the rule of law.
Sani alleged that El-Rufai’s government routinely disobeyed court orders, leading to the arrest and detention of critics. He cited the case of Luka Binyat, a Vanguard journalist arrested and jailed for nearly a year after publishing a report. The former governor’s administration also detained 89 community leaders from Kachia Local Government Area for nine months after they protested the killing of their leader, according to Sani. He further highlighted the imprisonment of Islamic clerics from Zaria who protested retrenchments in the Kaduna State Civil Service, as well as the arrest of Kaduna State University lecturer John Danfulani and Leadership newspaper reporter Maida Joseph for criticizing the government. “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members remained in detention for six to seven years facing murder charges after lethal clashes with security forces,” Sani said, underscoring what he described as systemic repression.
The former senator also criticized El-Rufai’s handling of security in Southern Kaduna, where he claimed militants and bandits have killed civilians for over a decade without state intervention. “Most commentators defending El-Rufai lack firsthand knowledge of the region,” Sani said, dismissing claims by General Musa and others. He pointed to areas like Sanga, Kauru, and Kachia, noting that many critics “don’t know where these places are.” Sani accused El-Rufai’s administration of failing to support local security agencies, stating that the government “never provided support for the police, Army, or Civil Defence” to address violence. “The state government did nothing,” he said, referring to both Southern and Central Kaduna.
El-Rufai’s tenure from 2015 to 2023 was marked by what Sani described as “severe misgovernance and irresponsible leadership.” The political feud between the two figures, both former All Progressives Congress (APC) members, escalated during the 2019 elections when Sani blocked a $350 million World Bank loan requested by El-Rufai, arguing it would burden the state. This move fractured the APC chapter in Kaduna, leading to Sani’s suspension and eventual defection to another party. He is now running for the Kaduna Central senatorial seat under the APC. “El-Rufai’s actions have had lasting consequences for Kaduna’s governance and security,” Sani said, framing his comments as a warning to future leaders.
The allegations against El-Rufai, who has not publicly responded to Sani’s claims, align with broader criticisms of his administration. The ICPC’s investigation into corruption has drawn attention to the state’s governance challenges, including the alleged misuse of public funds and lack of accountability. Sani’s remarks also highlight tensions between political rivals and the role of media in holding leaders accountable. “The press and civil society must remain vigilant to ensure transparency,” he added, emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of power.
Public-interest implications of Sani’s accusations include the rule of law, accountability, and the impact of governance on security. The cases he cited—such as the detention of journalists and clerics—raise concerns about freedom of expression and due process. Additionally, the failure to address security threats in Kaduna underscores the need for effective governance and resource allocation. “When leaders ignore the law and neglect their duties, the consequences are felt by the people,” Sani said, calling for systemic reforms.
The political rivalry between Sani and El-Rufai has deep roots, tracing back to their time in the APC. Their conflict over patronage, governance styles, and the 2019 loan dispute exemplifies the challenges of intra-party dynamics in Nigerian politics. Sani’s current campaign for the senatorial seat under the APC reflects the evolving political landscape in Kaduna, where loyalty and ideological differences often shape electoral outcomes.
Sani’s comments also touch on the broader issue of accountability in Nigerian governance. His personal experience of being “out of circulation” and losing allies mirrors the challenges faced by politicians who face legal or political repercussions. “Leaders must understand that power is temporary, and their actions have long-term consequences,” he said, urging officials to prioritize public welfare over personal gain.
The security situation in Kaduna remains a critical concern, with Sani’s allegations highlighting the state’s failure to protect citizens. The lack of intervention against militants and bandits, as well as the detention of activists, points to systemic issues in law enforcement and governance. “The people of Kaduna deserve better leadership that addresses their needs and upholds their rights,” Sani stated, calling for reforms to restore trust in public institutions.
El-Rufai’s detention by the ICPC has intensified scrutiny of his administration, with Sani’s accusations adding to the pressure for transparency. The former governor’s response to these claims remains pending, but the allegations underscore the ongoing debate over accountability in Nigerian politics. “Justice must be served, and leaders must be held responsible for their actions,” Sani concluded, framing his remarks as a call for integrity and public service.
The case of El-Rufai and Sani’s accusations reflect broader challenges in Nigeria’s political and governance systems. From corruption to security failures, the issues raised highlight the need for systemic reforms and stronger institutions to ensure accountability. As Kaduna’s political landscape continues to evolve, the role of civil society, media, and legal frameworks in safeguarding public interests remains crucial.
The allegations against El-Rufai, if proven, could have significant implications for Kaduna’s political and social fabric. Sani’s claims, while personal, also resonate with broader concerns about governance and accountability. As the ICPC investigation progresses, the public awaits clarity on the extent of the former governor’s actions and their impact on the state. “The people of Kaduna deserve transparency and justice,” Sani reiterated, underscoring the importance of holding leaders accountable for their decisions.
The ongoing discourse around El-Rufai’s tenure and Sani’s accusations underscores the complexities of Nigerian politics. From legal battles to security challenges, the issues highlighted reflect the struggles of governance in a rapidly changing environment. As the political narrative continues to unfold, the need for accountability, transparency, and public engagement remains paramount.
The public-interest implications of Sani’s remarks extend beyond Kaduna, reflecting national concerns about governance and accountability. His allegations against El-Rufai serve as a reminder of the consequences of mismanagement and the importance of upholding the rule of law. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the role of informed citizens and robust institutions in shaping a more accountable future cannot be overstated.
The case of El-Rufai and the broader context of Kaduna’s governance issues highlight the need for systemic reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms. Sani’s accusations, while rooted in personal and political rivalry, also point to structural problems that require urgent attention. “Leaders must remember that their actions have lasting impacts on the people they serve,” he said, emphasizing the importance of integrity in public office.
The political and social dynamics in Kaduna, as outlined by Sani, underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. His comments, while critical of El-Rufai, also call for a broader reflection on the responsibilities of leaders and the need for mechanisms to ensure their accountability. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the people of Kaduna and their right to a just and secure future.
The allegations against El-Rufai and the broader context of Kaduna’s governance challenges highlight the critical role of media and civil society in holding leaders accountable. Sani’s remarks, while personal, contribute to a larger conversation about the need for transparency and the importance of upholding the rule of law. As the ICPC investigation continues, the public awaits further clarity on the extent of the former governor’s actions and their impact on the state.