By John Audu.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly criticized the current governor, Uba Sani, labeling him a “sycophant” for his unwavering defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. El-Rufai’s remarks came in response to a statement made by Governor Sani, who suggested that recent political coalitions were formed by individuals who previously held office but failed to deliver meaningful results.
Governor Sani was quoted saying, “Most of these politicians that came out and say they are coming as coalition were in government less than two years ago. What did they do when they were in government? They were only fighting for power, not because they could do anything better.” He further asserted that “no president in the history of Nigeria has really practiced democracy like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
El-Rufai took issue with Sani’s comments, responding via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He referenced Sherlock Holmes, stating, “When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the truth.” He accused Sani of embarrassing himself with sycophantic behavior, suggesting that recent financial support from the federal government to Kaduna State—exceeding N150 billion—explains Sani’s loyalty to Tinubu.
“By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day,” El-Rufai concluded.
El-Rufai has also recently targeted Tinubu’s aide, Bwala Daniel, calling him a “political mercenary” after Bwala accused El-Rufai of attempting to undermine the current administration. In a statement, El-Rufai asserted that he had no interest in joining Tinubu’s government and criticized those who, he claimed, were opportunistically defending the administration.
“Good morning, @BwalaDaniel. I was a cabinet minister 22 years ago, and I made it clear to Asiwaju that I was not interested in any position in his future government,” he wrote. “The pathetic manner in which you and others make an issue of something I never wanted reflects your moral flexibility.”
El-Rufai emphasized that if he had remained in the Tinubu government, he would have addressed internal party issues privately before going public if necessary. He expressed his response to Bwala was out of respect for him as a decent person, contrasting him with others he deemed “political mercenaries” who defend the government for financial gain.
This ongoing exchange highlights the growing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as former allies publicly clash over loyalty and governance.
