Olayiwola Matthew
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said his successor, Senator Uba Sani, is not his friend, even though he played a key role in his emergence as governor in 2023.
El-Rufai, 65, dismissed speculation of a rift, stressing that while he does not speak with Governor Sani, there has been no falling-out.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the former FCT minister said: “He is not my friend. He was my boy, my mentee. We have not fallen out. I still don’t speak with him.”
He added that he took pride in mentoring and elevating others but would not remain silent if leaders “derail.”
El-Rufai accused Governor Sani of orchestrating last Saturday’s attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) committee inauguration in Kaduna, where suspected political thugs disrupted proceedings.
“I have evidence; Kaduna State Governor is behind Saturday’s attacks. I will submit evidence to the IGP and other authorities if they care to investigate,” he claimed.
The former governor also criticised Nigeria’s policing system, alleging that officers at the event watched as opposition politicians were assaulted.
Now a leading figure in the opposition coalition that adopted the ADC as its platform, El-Rufai has distanced himself from the ruling APC, further fuelling speculation of political tensions in Kaduna.