…”unfortunately, my godson, Governor Uba Sani, whom I thought had been following my principles of peace, is the one sponsoring this kind of terrorism”,El-Rufai said.
KADUNA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | fresh political storm is brewing in Kaduna State as former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has openly accused his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of sponsoring terrorism and abandoning the principles of peace and tolerance he once preached.
In a widely circulated video, El-Rufai did not mince words as he condemned the violent disruption of a political gathering in Kaduna on Saturday. The event, which was meant to inaugurate a transition committee formed by opposition parties, quickly descended into chaos when armed thugs reportedly stormed the venue.
According to eyewitness accounts, the hoodlums, wielding cutlasses, clubs, and stones, attacked participants indiscriminately. Several people were injured, while vehicles and other property were destroyed in the ensuing pandemonium. The victims were largely members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who had come together to chart a new political course in the state.
Speaking in reaction to the incident, El-Rufai expressed disappointment that the state had descended into what he described as “sponsored terrorism” under the watch of his successor. He alleged that Governor Uba Sani, whom he referred to as his “godson,” had turned away from the values of peace, tolerance, and political accommodation that were emphasized during his administration.
“We don’t stop people from enjoying their freedom,” El-Rufai said in the video. “But unfortunately, my godson, Governor Uba Sani, whom I thought had been following my principles of peace, is the one sponsoring this kind of terrorism.”
The former governor’s statement has sent shockwaves across Kaduna’s political landscape, given the close political relationship he once shared with Sani. El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, played a pivotal role in the rise of Uba Sani, first as a senator and later as governor. Their relationship was once seen as an example of political mentorship and loyalty within the ruling party.
However, the fresh accusations point to an escalating rift between the two men, with far-reaching implications for the state’s political stability. Political analysts note that Kaduna, one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states, has long been prone to ethno-religious tensions and political violence, making El-Rufai’s allegations particularly troubling.
The attack on the ADC event is already drawing condemnation from civil society groups, who insist that political violence must not be tolerated under any guise. Many have called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
So far, neither Governor Uba Sani nor his administration has officially responded to El-Rufai’s weighty allegations. Efforts to reach officials in the Kaduna State Government House proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.
El-Rufai’s comments are expected to intensify political debates in Kaduna, especially as opposition parties continue to accuse the ruling party of intolerance and high-handedness. Observers warn that if unchecked, the growing friction between El-Rufai and Sani could destabilize the state’s fragile peace.
Beyond politics, the incident underscores Nigeria’s broader struggle against political thuggery and the weaponization of violence. Human rights groups have consistently argued that attacks on opposition parties, civil society organizations, and journalists weaken democracy and breed a culture of fear.
For many Kaduna residents, the immediate concern is restoring peace and ensuring that political differences do not escalate into wider conflict. While El-Rufai’s accusations remain unproven, they highlight a troubling reality: political intolerance continues to thrive, and without urgent intervention, ordinary citizens may once again bear the brunt of elite rivalries.
As Nigerians await Governor Uba Sani’s official response, one question hangs heavily in the air: will the allegations be dismissed as mere political drama, or will they trigger a deeper investigation into the state’s growing culture of violence?
For now, Kaduna State remains on edge, with both the political class and ordinary citizens watching closely to see what comes next.
