A former ally turns accuser
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has publicly called for a comprehensive investigation into the eight-year administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna, Sani urged security and anti-corruption agencies to examine what he described as allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office during El-Rufai’s tenure between 2015 and 2023.
He specifically referenced the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s indictment and called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to act.
Billions alleged, institutions challenged
Sani alleged that public funds running into hundreds of billions of naira were mismanaged under the previous government.
He further claimed that the period witnessed widespread hardship, insecurity, demolitions and what he described as human rights violations.
The former lawmaker also questioned the democratic credentials of the former governor, citing reported arrests and detentions of journalists and activists during that era.
El-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
The Dadiyata case resurfaces again
Sani renewed calls for intensified investigation into the disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who has been missing since 2019.
The activist was abducted in Kaduna by unidentified gunmen, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite court directives and sustained advocacy by rights groups.
By linking governance concerns with unresolved security cases, Sani’s remarks widen the scope of scrutiny beyond financial management.
The politics of timing cannot be ignored
The former senator’s comments followed recent criticisms by El-Rufai of the current federal administration during a television interview.
Sani described El-Rufai’s stance as inconsistent, noting that the former governor actively campaigned for President Bola Tinubu in 2023 and cannot now disassociate himself from the administration.
He declared support for President Tinubu and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, positioning himself firmly within the ruling political alignment.
When probes become political battlegrounds
Calls for investigations often carry dual weight — legal accountability and political signalling.
If anti-corruption agencies open formal probes, the process could either validate Sani’s allegations or clear the former governor’s record.
However, without institutional follow-through, the exchange risks being absorbed into partisan rhetoric rather than producing concrete accountability.
What this means for Kaduna’s 2027 climate
As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, unresolved allegations and competing narratives could shape voter perception and party alignments.
If investigations proceed transparently, they may reinforce institutional credibility.
If they stall or appear selective, they may deepen distrust in governance structures and amplify political polarisation within Kaduna State.
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