Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly accused his successor and political protégé, Governor Uba Sani, of sponsoring acts of terrorism and political violence in the state.
El-Rufai made the explosive allegation in a video that surfaced online after thugs attacked members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a political event in Kaduna. The incident occurred on Saturday, during the inauguration of a transition committee set up by opposition parties in the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the peaceful gathering turned chaotic when a group of armed thugs stormed the venue. The attackers reportedly used cutlasses, clubs, and stones, leaving several attendees injured and damaging multiple vehicles and properties.
In the aftermath of the violence, El-Rufai strongly condemned the attack and blamed the current administration under Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a growing culture of intolerance and lawlessness.
“We don’t stop people from enjoying their freedom,” El-Rufai said in the viral 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 remarks have stunned many political observers, especially given the once-close relationship between the two leaders. Uba Sani, a former senator, was widely believed to be El-Rufai’s hand-picked successor during the 2023 elections. Both men are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai’s public rebuke marks a dramatic breakdown in the political alliance that once defined Kaduna politics. It also raises serious concerns about the state’s rising insecurity and worsening political atmosphere.
Saturday’s incident is one of several recent violent episodes that have alarmed civil society groups and political watchers in Kaduna. While political thuggery is not new in Nigeria, the direct involvement or endorsement of such actions by those in power has often led to long-term instability.
So far, Governor Uba Sani has not responded to El-Rufai’s accusations. The Kaduna State Government has also remained silent on the attack on the ADC members, prompting criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties.
Leaders of the ADC have called on security agencies to investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice. They argue that the incident is a threat to democracy and the right of citizens to freely associate and express their political beliefs.
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, was known for his tough stance on insecurity and his strong rhetoric against banditry and terrorism. His comments now suggest deep internal conflict within the APC and a possible realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, citizens in Kaduna continue to face insecurity, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence.
