Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a fresh attack on his successor, Governor Uba Sani, accusing him of excessive loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Governor Sani had heaped praises on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during a live news program on TVC, particularly highlighting improvements in security, economic reforms, and policies.
He noted the enhanced security situation in Kaduna State since Tinubu took office and emphasized how the initially perceived harsh economic policies are beginning to yield positive results for Nigerians. …CONTINUE READING
However, the governor’s support for Tinubu, who has recently faced criticism from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, did not sit well with El-Rufai.
In a post on his official Facebook page, El-Rufai suggested that Sani’s vocal support for the President’s economic policies stems from selective financial benefits received by Kaduna State.
He alleged that the federal government had disbursed over N150 billion in reimbursements, interventions, and grants to the state over the past 18 months, implying that these funds influenced Governor Sani’s stance.
“Every day I see this governor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to wonder why. However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu, in the last 18 months, now explains everything,” El-Rufai wrote.
The former governor also took a swipe at Sani’s endorsement of the conditional cash transfer program, a key economic intervention under Tinubu’s government. While acknowledging the President’s role in the initiative, El-Rufai left a parting remark for his successor:
“By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day.”
El-Rufai’s comments add to the growing tension between the two political figures, who were once allies under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Sani is yet to respond to the allegations.
Observers say the rift could have broader implications for the APC in Kaduna, especially as the state prepares for future political contests.
Governor Uba Sani, who succeeded El-Rufai in 2023, has positioned himself as a strong supporter of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. His administration has also benefited from federal financial interventions aimed at stabilizing states facing economic hardship.
However, El-Rufai’s latest remarks suggest lingering political divisions within the APC in Kaduna, with analysts speculating that the former governor may be positioning himself for a return to the national stage.
As the political drama unfolds, Kaduna residents and party stakeholders are closely watching how Governor Sani navigates the mounting pressure from his predecessor.
