Political Turmoil Unfolds as Kaduna State Governor Rejects Ministerial Nominee

A political storm has erupted in Kaduna State, Nigeria, as Governor Uba Sani vehemently rejected the proposed ministerial candidate, Jafaru Sani, put forward by the immediate past governor of the state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

The dramatic turn of events, reported by Peoples Gazette, highlights deep-seated political divisions within the state and has implications for broader political dynamics in the region.

Jafaru Sani, a loyalist who served as a commissioner in El-Rufai’s administration, was recommended by El-Rufai as his replacement for a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It was initially understood that both El-Rufai and Governor Sani had agreed on this arrangement before El-Rufai left for Egypt.

However, the situation quickly escalated when Governor Sani returned from a London trip and confronted President Tinubu at the State House, asserting that an agreement had not been reached regarding Jafaru Sani’s candidacy. Governor Sani expressed his concern that Jafaru Sani lacked political relevance in Kaduna and had been overly loyal to El-Rufai.

This unexpected rejection has unveiled tensions between the two influential figures in Kaduna politics and threatens to create a new political crisis. Notably, Governor Sani was El-Rufai’s chosen successor for the 2023 gubernatorial election, and El-Rufai had played a pivotal role in ensuring Sani’s victory.

The situation has been exacerbated by reports of a security dossier authorized by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu that accused El-Rufai of various wrongdoings, including violence and corruption. This dossier reportedly played a role in preventing El-Rufai’s nomination from being confirmed by the Senate.

The rejection of El-Rufai’s proposed nominee raises concerns about the underlying power dynamics and factionalism within Kaduna State’s political landscape. The incident could spark a broader political conflict with far-reaching consequences as different factions vie for influence and control. As events continue to unfold, the situation may impact the stability and governance of Kaduna State, contributing to a complex web of political maneuvering in Nigeria.