In a fiery response to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent remarks, Senator Shehu Sani has accused the ex-governor of being “jobless” and “frustrated” after being snubbed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The verbal altercation, which quickly gained traction on social media, sees Sani sharply rebuffing El-Rufai’s criticism of the Tinubu-led government’s handling of opposition parties in the country.
Sani, a former senator and vocal critic of political tyranny, took to his official social media page on January 30, where he fired back at El-Rufai’s claims made during a national conference in Abuja. In a pointed post, Sani labeled the ex-governor “a midget professor,” mocking his frustration at being left out of the President’s cabinet and his subsequent criticisms of the current administration.
“Out of power, he is sanctimoniously preaching democracy to the country he helped wreck, plundered, and persecuted,” Sani wrote, suggesting that El-Rufai’s recent criticism was hypocritical. The two figures, once allies within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), appear to be at odds as political dynamics shift.
A Shifting Relationship
El-Rufai’s comments, made at a conference focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, were aimed squarely at the APC leadership. The ex-governor, known for his blunt rhetoric and strong opinions, criticized the state of governance in the country, calling it a “national emergency.”
“You cannot afford to have illiterates, semi-illiterates, and cunning people as your leaders,” El-Rufai stated, further accusing the country of suffering from poor leadership due to the lack of competent governance. His comments, particularly regarding the literacy and competence of the current leadership, have drawn considerable backlash from various quarters.
At the heart of El-Rufai’s criticism was his disillusionment with the Tinubu government, which he once staunchly supported. His public attack on the APC leadership comes after being sidelined in the administration. Sani, however, dismissed the ex-governor’s lamentations, suggesting that El-Rufai’s frustrations stemmed from his exclusion from the president’s inner circle.
“He is like a man who was turned down by a woman and then resorted to speaking ill of her. Tinubu was his angel until he was ‘evicted from the house’; now he tells the world Tinubu is a demon,” Sani remarked, drawing a parallel between personal rejection and El-Rufai’s political discontent.
Desperation for Relevance?
Shehu Sani also questioned El-Rufai’s current role in Nigeria’s political landscape, accusing him of seeking attention in an increasingly polarized environment. Sani characterized the former governor as “desperate,” suggesting that El-Rufai’s recent actions were driven by his need to maintain a political presence, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he has often stoked sectional sentiments to rally support.
“He is now jobless, most times seeking to be invited to northern public events where he will whip up sectional sentiments,” Sani added, implying that El-Rufai was now using divisive rhetoric to remain relevant after being left out of the government’s political equations.
El-Rufai’s increasing visibility in the media, especially his provocative comments at public events, have raised questions about his future ambitions. While Sani derided his former political ally’s current status, he also highlighted the way in which El-Rufai seemed to be shifting alliances in response to his growing frustration with the administration.
The Rise and Fall of Nasir El-Rufai’s Influence
To understand the magnitude of Sani’s criticisms, one must look at the trajectory of El-Rufai’s political career. Known for his no-nonsense approach to governance during his tenure as Kaduna State governor, El-Rufai was seen as a key player in the APC’s rise to power in 2015. His strongman image and combative style made him a controversial figure, but also one with a loyal following.
During his time as governor, El-Rufai was often accused of heavy-handedness, with critics accusing him of stifling dissent and curbing freedoms in the name of development. His administration was also marred by allegations of human rights abuses and anti-opposition tactics. Sani, who has long championed human rights and democratic ideals, has been one of El-Rufai’s fiercest critics.
However, El-Rufai’s influence has waned since leaving office, particularly after his exclusion from President Tinubu’s cabinet. His grievances against the administration reflect a personal and political setback, as the former governor’s political ambitions were thwarted by the very party he helped build.
