Nasir El-Rufai criticizes Governor Uba Sani, denies friendship, and claims he has evidence linking him to political violence in Kaduna
Nasir El-Rufai has openly criticized his successor, Governor Uba Sani, declaring that they were never friends and accusing him of sponsoring political violence in Kaduna State.
Also read: Tinubu’s Support for Governors Unprecedented, Says Kaduna’s Governor Uba Sani
In a fiery appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the former Kaduna State governor and ex-FCT minister dismissed reports of a rift with Sani but clarified that their relationship was never personal.
“He is not my friend. He was my boy, my mentee. We have not fallen out. I just don’t talk to him,” El-Rufai stated.
The former governor was responding to speculation of tensions following his vocal disapproval of certain federal and state policies.
El-Rufai, 65, who played a pivotal role in Sani’s rise to power in 2023, added that his pride lies in mentoring people to greatness—even those who surpass him.
However, he stressed that he won’t stay silent if someone he once supported “derails.”
During the interview, El-Rufai accused Governor Sani of being behind an attack on opposition politicians at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) event in Kaduna last Saturday.
“I have evidence. Kaduna State Governor is behind Saturday’s attacks,” El-Rufai claimed. “I will submit evidence to the IGP and other authorities if they care to investigate.”
He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, alleging that police stood by while political thugs disrupted the event.
Also read: Nasir el-Rufai Rejects Fake Quote from ADC Vanguard
The attack reportedly occurred during the inauguration of a transition committee formed by opposition parties, including the ADC—a platform El-Rufai now supports after distancing himself from the APC.
