Gov Sani Has Never Been My Friend, Says El-Rufai
Gov Sani Has Never Been My Friend, Says El-Rufai
Kaduna, Nigeria – Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that his successor, Senator Uba Sani, is not his friend, dismissing speculations of a personal fallout between them.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai, who played a key role in Sani’s rise to the governorship in 2023, stressed that the two men have never shared a personal friendship.
“I’ve not fallen out with the governor. No, he is not my friend. He was my boy, my mentee. We have not fallen out. I still don’t speak with him,” El-Rufai said.
The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) explained that his pride lies in mentoring and elevating people into positions of leadership, but said he would not hesitate to speak out if any of them “derails.”
“My biggest pride in life is that I have encouraged and elevated many people to greatness, some even greater than me, and I am very proud of it. But when a person derails, when he doesn’t do the right thing, because I contributed to getting him there, I am prohibited from commenting? Is that what the country has become?” he asked.
Allegations Against Governor Sani
El-Rufai also accused Governor Sani of masterminding last Saturday’s attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) committee inauguration in Kaduna. The event, organised by opposition parties, was disrupted by suspected political thugs, leaving properties destroyed and participants fleeing for safety.
The former governor alleged that there is evidence linking Governor Sani to the violence.
“I have evidence; Kaduna State Governor is behind Saturday’s attacks. I will submit evidence to the IGP and other authorities if they care to investigate,” he said, adding that police officers allegedly stood by while the assault took place.
Political Realignment
El-Rufai, who has distanced himself from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now one of the key figures in an opposition coalition that has adopted the ADC as its platform ahead of future elections.
Saturday’s violence, observers say, highlights growing political tension in Kaduna State, where El-Rufai and Sani—once closely aligned—now appear to be on opposing sides of the political divide.
By Haruna Yakubu Haruna
