Political Earthquake: El-Rufai's Inner Circle Deserts Jailed Ex-Governor, Joins Rival Faction!
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's close political allies have defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging support for Governor Uba Sani's re-election. This move comes as El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody facing charges, with his former associates unable to reach him.
Close allies and associates of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, have reportedly abandoned him during his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and have returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). These former associates have also publicly declared their support for Governor Uba Sani's second term bid.
Among the prominent figures who have rejoined the APC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are Bashir Saidu, El-Rufai's former Chief of Staff; Abdu Kwari, a former commissioner and senator for Kaduna North senatorial district; and Jafaru Sani, another former commissioner in Kaduna State. Jafaru Sani, who also served as the former ADC North West vice chairman, confirmed this move in a telephone interview, stating that they left the ADC with over 150,000 registered members.
Sani further elaborated on the circumstances surrounding their decision, explaining that they attempted to inform El-Rufai of their collective choice to return to the APC. However, these attempts were unsuccessful due to the ICPC blocking all channels, making it impossible to reach the former governor in custody. Despite this, Sani indicated that a welcome ceremony for their return to the APC is scheduled for the following week, reiterating their commitment to supporting Governor Uba Sani's re-election campaign.
When questioned about the possibility of El-Rufai rejoining the APC if he secures his freedom, Sani unequivocally stated that the former governor would never return to the party. This development follows a political estrangement between El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani, which occurred approximately one year after the 2023 general elections.
In response to the defections, Isah Ashiru, the ADC's 2027 governorship candidate in Kaduna State, commented on the matter through his spokesman, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi. Adubi affirmed that the individuals have the right to move to any political party, highlighting that