Kaduna’s political firestorm explained as the political landscape of Kaduna State has been thrown into turmoil.
What began as a legislative investigation has morphed into a full-blown political battle.
It raises fundamental questions about governance, accountability, and the dynamics of power in the state.
The recent circulation of a controversial legislative report, which claims that N423 billion went missing under El-Rufai’s leadership, appears to be more than just an anti-corruption effort—it is a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and diminish his political influence.
Kaduna’s Political Firestorm Explained
This renewed attack on the former governor and his allies is not happening in a vacuum.
It is occurring against the backdrop of a widening rift between El-Rufai and the current Kaduna State administration under Governor Uba Sani.
Despite publicly professing loyalty to his predecessor, Uba Sani’s government has intensified efforts to prosecute key officials of the El-Rufai era.
This contradiction exposes the real battle at play: a struggle for political survival and control of the state’s power structure.
The Rehashed Report: Political Motive or Genuine Inquiry?
The Kaduna State House of Assembly’s investigative report, first released in June 2024, was presented as an independent probe into the financial dealings of the El-Rufai administration.
However, close scrutiny reveals that it is far from an objective inquiry.
The report is filled with inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and double-counting of funds to inflate figures and create a narrative of large-scale corruption.
Kaduna’s Political Firestorm Explained
A significant portion of the funds listed as “missing” were actually undisbursed loans meant for long-term development projects.
For instance, the African Development Bank’s $150 million Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) loan was secured by the El-Rufai administration but had not been disbursed as of May 2023.
Yet, the report included this as part of the alleged missing funds. Similarly, loans meant for road construction and education reforms were counted as “spent” despite clear documentation proving otherwise.
Perhaps the most damning flaw in the report is its claim that nearly half of Kaduna State’s revenue in eight years vanished without a trace.
Such an allegation not only defies logic but also insults the intelligence of the people.
If N423 billion had truly gone missing, Kaduna State would have been in a state of total economic collapse.
Instead, the administration left behind tangible projects, increased internally generated revenue (IGR) from N13 billion in 2015 to N58 billion in 2022, and implemented reforms that positioned Kaduna as an investment-friendly state.
The Political Targeting of El-Rufai’s Allies
Beyond the financial allegations, there is a deliberate effort to weaken El-Rufai’s political base by targeting his former appointees.
Several key officials have been subjected to investigations, interrogations, and even imprisonment under questionable circumstances.
Kaduna’s Political Firestorm Explained
One of the most high-profile cases is that of Bashir Saidu, a former top official, who was arrested in a dramatic fashion on December 31, 2024.
Despite securing bail from both the Federal High Court and the Kaduna State High Court, he remains in detention—a clear indication of politically motivated persecution.
Similarly, Jimi Lawal, another former official, was granted bail but remains imprisoned under dubious pretenses.
What makes these arrests particularly troubling is the apparent manipulation of state institutions to serve political ends.
Shortly after Bashir Saidu and Jimi Lawal were granted bail, the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) abruptly suspended verification services for certificates of occupancy.
This move appears to be a calculated effort to prevent them from meeting their bail conditions, further exposing the lengths to which the current administration is willing to go to suppress El-Rufai’s allies.
Uba Sani’s Dilemma: Between Loyalty and Political Expediency
Governor Uba Sani faces a unique challenge in balancing his past association with El-Rufai and his current political realities.
Throughout his career, he benefited immensely from El-Rufai’s mentorship, rising from a presidential aide to a senator and ultimately to the governorship of Kaduna State.
Kaduna’s Political Firestorm Explained
During his campaign, his “SUSTAIN” mantra was built on a promise to continue El-Rufai’s legacy.
However, his recent actions suggest a sharp departure from that commitment. Instead of acknowledging the foundational work done by his predecessor, he appears to be engaged in a systematic effort to discredit him.
This shift is likely driven by political pressure and a desire to assert independence from El-Rufai’s shadow.
Yet, this strategy is not without risks. Many within the APC and the Kaduna political elite view this as an act of betrayal.
The same administration that is accusing El-Rufai of mismanagement is actively commissioning projects initiated during his tenure.
The contradiction is glaring: how can an administration be accused of financial recklessness while its successor takes credit for its achievements?
The Bigger Picture: A Struggle for Political Relevance
The unfolding drama in Kaduna State is reflective of a larger trend in Nigerian politics, where former allies turn against each other in the battle for dominance.
El-Rufai, known for his strong political will and reformist agenda, remains a significant figure within the APC.
His recent criticisms of the party’s deviation from its founding principles have ruffled feathers within the ruling establishment.
It is no coincidence that these allegations have resurfaced at a time when El-Rufai’s influence within the APC is under scrutiny.
By attempting to tie him to corruption allegations, his adversaries seek to weaken his political standing ahead of future elections.
This is not just about Kaduna State; it is about control over the broader APC structure and the potential positioning for national politics.
What Lies Ahead?
As the legal battles unfold, the key question remains: will these allegations hold up in court, or will they collapse under the weight of their own contradictions?
The selective prosecution of El-Rufai’s allies raises doubts about the credibility of the anti-corruption campaign.
If the goal is genuine accountability, then the same level of scrutiny should be applied to all past and present administrations in Kaduna State.
For El-Rufai, this is yet another chapter in a long history of political battles. He has faced similar opposition in the past and emerged unscathed.
Whether he will weather this storm depends not just on legal defenses but also on the support of his political base and allies.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani must navigate the delicate balance of governance while managing the growing perception that his administration is being driven by vendetta rather than developmental priorities.
The people of Kaduna deserve leadership that is focused on progress, not endless political witch-hunts.
Conclusion: The Verdict of History
In the end, history will be the ultimate judge of these events. While political actors may attempt to rewrite narratives, facts remain stubborn things.
The infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and governance innovations of the El-Rufai era are visible for all to see.
No amount of political maneuvering can erase them.
The real question, therefore, is not about missing funds or legislative reports—it is about who benefits from the destruction of El-Rufai’s political legacy.
The orchestrated attacks against him and his allies may serve short-term political interests, but they risk alienating a significant portion of Kaduna’s political class.
So, who is really afraid of El-Rufai? The answer lies in the actions of those who are going to extraordinary lengths to silence him.
Whether they succeed or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political firestorm in Kaduna is far from over.
