By Obinna Uballa
The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has accused his predecessor, ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai of instigating political unrest and attempting to drag the state into crisis, warning that any attempt to destabilise Kaduna will be met with decisive action.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, the government alleged that El-Rufai has resorted to “overt provocation and covert manipulation” after his allies “suffered a crushing defeat in the August 16 by-elections.”
The statement claimed: “The people of Kaduna have endured enough trauma, bloodshed, and division. This administration will not allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge us back into an era of ethno-religious tension and insecurity.”
According to the commissioner, El-Rufai convened an “illegal and chaotic” political meeting on August 30, which turned violent, with gunshots fired and innocent citizens endangered. He also dismissed El-Rufai’s claim that the government sponsored thugs to disrupt the meeting as baseless.
“Why would a governor who just earned the people’s mandate through credible elections need to break up a gathering of losers?” Shuaibu asked.
The Kaduna State government further faulted El-Rufai’s recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he alleged that federal and state authorities were bribing bandits to achieve peace.
“These are calculated, malicious lies aimed at undermining security efforts, inciting public anger, and legitimising criminality. They insult the sacrifices of our armed forces and the intelligence community,” the statement said, noting that the Office of the National Security Adviser had already dismissed El-Rufai’s claims as false.
Highlighting what it called “hard-won gains” under Governor Uba Sani, the statement pointed to improved security in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and Igabi, where major bandit leaders have been neutralised and Ansaru commanders arrested.
“For a former governor to deny these victories and insult the memory of fallen security operatives is beyond shameful. It is deliberate sabotage,” Shuaibu declared.
The government also contrasted El-Rufai’s “legacy of fear and division” with Uba Sani’s “inclusive and development-driven” governance, which it said has delivered progress in security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure over the past two years.
“El-Rufai thrives in chaos. He feeds on fear. Stripped of relevance, he now seeks to make Kaduna ungovernable. This administration will not allow it,” the statement warned.
The government urged residents to reject attempts to reignite ethno-religious conflict, assuring that security agencies are on high alert.
“Kaduna has the capacity, the resolve, and the legal mandate to deal decisively with anyone threatening peace. Be it Nasir El-Rufai or his collaborators, they will be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
