February 28, 2026

El-Rufai’s Critics Mostly Outsiders to Kaduna, Says Shehu Sani

Former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has opened up on his lingering disagreement with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that many individuals sympathising with the ex-governor did not experience his administration firsthand.

Sani made the remarks during an appearance on Hard Copy, a programme on Channels Television, on Friday, where he explained that his recent social media reactions were prompted by El-Rufai’s criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the former senator, El-Rufai became resentful after failing to secure a ministerial appointment, alleging that the former governor has since used public platforms to criticise key figures in the current administration.

He noted that while El-Rufai is entitled to his opinions, his past status as a prominent public office holder demands a higher level of restraint and decorum.

Sani further argued that several former governors who served two terms were not appointed ministers but accepted the situation without publicly attacking the government.

He maintained that many of those expressing sympathy for El-Rufai are not residents of Kaduna State and therefore may not fully understand the realities of his eight-year tenure.

The ex-lawmaker also accused El-Rufai of contradicting himself by advocating principles such as rule of law, democracy and human rights, which he claimed were not upheld during his administration in Kaduna State.

Sani added that the former governor should instead appreciate the opportunities he had to serve both Kaduna State and Nigeria.