A political war of words has erupted between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani, centering on accusations of nepotism in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments. The exchange highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s political class over allegations of ethnic favoritism at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The controversy began when Farooq Kperogi, a U.S.-based Nigerian professor of journalism, published an article accusing Tinubu of “Buharisation” of the NNPCL. Kperogi claimed Tinubu was appointing Yoruba individuals to strategic positions within the corporation, mirroring former President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged favoritism toward northerners in the security sector.
Kperogi’s piece gained further traction when El-Rufai shared it on X (formerly Twitter) with a pointed comment: “Two wrongs don’t make a right. Sensible inclusion always trumps arrogant exclusion.”
Sani Fires Back
Senator Shehu Sani, known for his outspoken criticism of political double standards, wasted no time responding to El-Rufai’s post. In a scathing rebuke on X, Sani accused the former governor of hypocrisy, saying, “There were people who were silent when Buhari was fielding political offices with his kinsmen and have now found their voice to speak out when the equation doesn’t favour them.”
Sani’s response did not stop there. He delved into El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor, describing it as an era of systemic marginalization. “Let’s not make reference to the nepotism that marginalised Southern Kaduna for eight years. Kaduna was an apartheid state for eight years,” he wrote.
The former senator, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, added that while everyone has the right to critique Tinubu on issues of nepotism, El-Rufai lacks the moral standing to do so.
El-Rufai’s History Under Scrutiny
Sani’s comments have reignited debates over El-Rufai’s governance style in Kaduna State. Critics frequently accused El-Rufai of sidelining Southern Kaduna, a region predominantly populated by Christians and ethnic minorities, in appointments and resource allocation.
For years, El-Rufai faced allegations of entrenching ethnic and religious divides, with some labeling his administration as one that prioritized the interests of northern Muslims. Sani’s latest remarks bring those accusations back into focus.
Context of Tinubu’s Appointments
President Tinubu’s alleged favoritism at the NNPCL has been a contentious issue since his administration began. Reports suggest that key positions within the corporation have been filled by individuals from the South-West, sparking criticism of ethnocentric governance.
Kperogi’s article cited an anonymous source claiming that Bayo Ojulari, a Yoruba executive, is being positioned to succeed Mele Kyari as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPCL. While the presidency has not officially addressed these allegations, the issue has fueled public discourse about ethnic balance in national appointments.
Kperogi, in his article, likened Tinubu’s approach to Buhari’s tenure, during which several critical security appointments were dominated by northerners.
Political Divides Deepen
The heated exchange between Sani and El-Rufai underscores the fractures within Nigeria’s political elite. Both men have a history of political rivalry. El-Rufai, a staunch ally of Buhari, often clashed with Sani, who was a vocal critic of Buhari’s administration.
Political analysts suggest that Sani’s latest criticism of El-Rufai is not only rooted in ideological differences but also in their contrasting approaches to governance.
“While Shehu Sani represents a more progressive voice in Nigerian politics, El-Rufai has often been viewed as a technocrat with little patience for dissent,” said Dr. Aisha Ibrahim, a political scientist at Ahmadu Bello University. “Their disagreements reflect broader divisions within Nigeria’s ruling class about what inclusive governance should look like.”
Public Reactions
The public has been divided in its response to the feud. Some Nigerians have applauded Sani for calling out perceived double standards, while others believe the exchange is a distraction from more pressing national issues.
“I agree with Sani. People like El-Rufai have no right to criticize Tinubu when they benefitted from the same system under Buhari,” said Adebayo Adekunle, a Lagos-based civil rights activist.
Others, however, see Sani’s comments as unnecessarily inflammatory. “We need solutions, not finger-pointing,” said Mariam Yusuf, a public policy consultant. “Both Sani and El-Rufai should focus on promoting national unity instead of trading insults online.”
Calls for Inclusive Governance
The debate around Tinubu’s appointments has renewed calls for greater inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance structures. Ethnic and regional divisions have long been a source of tension in the country, with successive administrations accused of favoring one group over others.
“Leadership should transcend ethnic and regional biases,” said Dr. Ibrahim. “Until we institutionalize merit-based appointments, these accusations will persist.”
El-Rufai’s Silence
As of press time, El-Rufai has not directly responded to Sani’s accusations. His initial comment on Kperogi’s article remains his only public statement on the matter.
Observers believe that El-Rufai’s silence may be strategic, as he has often used social media sparingly to address controversies.