Shehu Sani SLAMS El-Rufai: 'Paying Price for Misgovernance and Irresponsibility'

Shehu Sani, former Senator for Kaduna Central, has openly stated that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently "paying the price" for what he termed misgovernance and irresponsibility during his eight-year tenure (2015-2023). Sani made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, in response to growing concerns from opposition circles suggesting El-Rufai had become a "prisoner of conscience" amidst his ongoing legal challenges.

El-Rufai has been in custody since February 2026, facing charges related to alleged financial misconduct and the unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. A Federal High Court in Abuja reserved ruling on his no-case submission in the wiretapping case on September 22, with the matter adjourned until October 26.

Drawing from his own experience of spending over four years in prison as a pro-democracy activist, Sani emphasized his familiarity with the hardships of detention. He asserted that El-Rufai’s current predicament should be viewed against the backdrop of his actions while in office. Sani alleged that the former governor demonstrated little regard for the rule of law, frequently disregarding court orders and deploying state institutions to target critics and political opponents. "El-Rufai is paying the price of his misgovernance and his irresponsibility when he was in public office," Sani declared, advising those in power to remember the temporary nature of their positions.

Sani provided several specific instances to substantiate his claims of arbitrary arrests and detentions during El-Rufai's administration. He cited the case of Luka Binyat, a Vanguard journalist, who was reportedly arrested and jailed for almost a year after writing about the Kaduna State Government, particularly concerning allegations of payments to bandits. Other cases included Christian leaders from Kajuru Local Government Area, who were arrested and detained for months after protesting the killing of their leader, and Islamic clerics from Zaria, detained for protesting the retrenchment of civil servants. John Danfulani, a lecturer at Kaduna State University, and Maida Joseph, a LEADERSHIP newspaper reporter, were also mentioned as victims of arrests and jailing for criticizing the former governor. Furthermore, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) allegedly endured several years in detention under trial for murder charges, with efforts for their release reportedly frustrated.

The former lawmaker also strongly rejected any defense of El-Rufai's security record in Kaduna State. He maintained that insecurity had plagued Southern Kaduna and other regions for years, arguing that the former administration's measures were woefully inadequate and failed to protect residents. Sani disputed claims that El-Rufai had taken sufficient action, pointing to the persistent scale of violence as evidence of the administration's shortcomings. He referenced comments by Defence Minister Christopher Musa, who had accused El-Rufai of actions contributing to division and insecurity. Sani added that many commentators on the issue lacked direct knowledge of the affected communities, such as Sanga, Kauru, Kachia, and Kagarko, which have suffered prolonged insecurity. He further alleged that the former administration never provided adequate support for security agencies like the police, army, or civil defense to effectively combat the violence.

Sani revisited the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s reported statements on negotiating with bandits, describing the former governor as a "man of double speak" due to contradictory positions. He recalled Binyat's prior reporting on alleged payments to bandits, which, according to Sani, led to the journalist's arrest. Sani questioned the sympathy expressed for El-Rufai, asking where such sympathizers were when El-Rufai was allegedly arresting and jailing people and disregarding court orders.

In contrast to his criticism of the previous administration, Sani lauded the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as the "best thing to happen to Kaduna State." He credited Governor Uba Sani with effectively utilizing state resources for public betterment, building a bridge of peace between Hausa Muslims and Christians, appointing diverse individuals, and ensuring equal treatment for all residents, including having a Christian deputy governor. Sani predicted Governor Uba Sani's re-election, highlighting his interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and his success in fostering a conducive atmosphere for all ethnic and religious groups.

Finally, addressing a separate national issue, Sani commented on President Bola Tinubu's decision to have Vice President Kashim Shettima represent him at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Sani affirmed that the President acted within his constitutional rights, emphasizing the importance of having a capable Vice President for such representations. He dismissed opposition concerns as natural, stating that UNGA is largely a "talk show" for expressing national positions and exploring deals.