Kaduna: Former Senator Shehu Sani has ignited fresh political fire in Kaduna, urging anti-graft agencies to investigate ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration over alleged mismanagement of hundreds of billions of Naira, systemic abuse of office, and what he described as one of the state’s darkest eras.
Addressing a press briefing in Kaduna, Sani accused public officials of mismanaging hundreds of billions of Naira in public funds between 2015 and 2023 and urged security and anti-corruption agencies to probe these alleged acts.
He specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act on the indictment issued by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which followed El-Rufai’s departure in 2023, and to ensure accountability.
He said the period brought hardship, insecurity, demolitions and alleged human rights abuses, calling it one of Kaduna’s most challenging eras.
The former lawmaker also raised concerns about eroding democratic values, citing arrests of journalists, activists, clerics, and leaders.
Sani further urged the security agencies to intensify investigations into the disappearance of political activist Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.
His remarks, made during a Friday press briefing, followed recent comments by El-Rufai in an interview on Arise TV earlier this week, in which the former governor criticised the current administration.
Describing the comments as inconsistent, Sani said El-Rufai had actively campaigned for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 General Elections and should not discredit the same government.
“You cannot promote a candidate as the best option and later turn around to criticise the same administration,” he said.
Sani claimed El-Rufai’s political influence declined before his tenure ended, referencing the ruling party’s recent electoral performance in the state.
He commended what he termed improvements in security under Governor Uba Sani and urged the residents to support ongoing peace-building efforts.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Elections, Sani reaffirmed his support for both Tinubu and Sani, while emphasising the need for credible leadership based on competence, integrity and national cohesion.
He also urged political actors to respect zoning and power rotation principles, adding that opposition politics should be issue-based and constructive.
