By ADAMS SHERIFF

The latest episode in Kaduna State’s political drama is the attempt by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai to tarnish the reputation of his successor, Governor Uba Sani, with unfounded allegations of corruption. As the dust settles, it is clear that these allegations are not only baseless but also a desperate attempt by a politically displaced individual seeking relevance in an administration that has moved beyond his influence.

The former governor appears to have lost peace since he could not get into the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu. He  accused Governor Uba Sani of siphoning local government funds to purchase properties abroad. These claims, made during an interview with Freedom Radio Kaduna, lack any substantive evidence and appear to be a reaction to the mounting corruption allegations against El-Rufai himself.

It is no secret that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has launched a probe into El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure, scrutinizing the management of over N420 billion. Rather than addressing the allegations against him, El-Rufai has chosen to deflect attention by concocting baseless accusations against his successor. This is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black—a maneuver designed to shift focus from his own questionable financial dealings and management of the resources of the people of Kaduna State when he served as governor for eight years.

Governor Uba Sani has, since assuming office, remained steadfast in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. His administration has prioritised infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and security, ensuring that Kaduna State remains on a progressive path.

It is important to note that Governor Sani has consistently maintained that his focus is on serving the people of Kaduna, not engaging in baseless political squabbles. During a recent engagement with social media influencers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, he reiterated his commitment to governance, stating: “My focus is on serving the people of Kaduna State, who elected me. I am not bothered by baseless and idle talks that add no value to governance.”

This statement underscores the governor’s resolve to concentrate on developmental efforts rather than responding to politically motivated distractions.

El-Rufai’s allegations rest on claims that local government allocations are being diverted, exchanged into foreign currency, and used to acquire properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. However, in the absence of any documentary proof, these accusations amount to nothing more than political propaganda.

Former Senator Shehu Sani aptly challenged El-Rufai to present concrete evidence supporting his claims. According to him: “If he has evidence linking Uba Sani to the purchase of properties abroad, he should present it. Until then, his claims hold no weight.”

The demand for evidence is critical in this discourse. Without documented proof, El-Rufai’s allegations are nothing but attempts to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension. If Governor Sani had indeed engaged in any financial misappropriation, agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, would have taken action. However, there have been no official investigations or indictments against him, which speaks volumes about the credibility of these allegations.

The Kaduna State chapter of the  Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, dismissed the allegations of the former governor,  stressing that ‘’the allegations are meant to mislead the public, create disaffection and ridicule the all-inclusive, pro-poor and people-oriented administration in Kaduna State.‘’

The spokesperson of ALGON, Muhammad Shehu, at a press conference recently said: ‘’Governor Sani’s administration stands for the rule of law and due process;  transparency and accountability are its watchwords. It supports and respects the financial autonomy of local governments. It has never tampered with local governments’ funds.

“The Uba Sani administration has been taking measures and executing programmes and projects to complement the efforts of local governments.

‘’Some of us served as local government chairmen when Malam Nasir el-Rufai was in office as governor. We can testify to the fact that what we have been receiving as monthly allocation since Senator Uba Sani became governor is more than double the amount we received during Malam el-Rufai’s administration.

‘’It was a policy of ‘collective punishment’ for Southern Kaduna people for not supporting his administration. This ill-advised action created disharmony and deepened inter-ethnic tensions in the state. Thankfully, this divisive policy has been reversed by the Sani’s administration. Governor Sani’s administration’s Rural Transformation Programme has been pivotal in revitalising rural economies and giving rural dwellers a new lease of life. Hitherto inaccessible areas have been opened up, rural agriculture has been revived, jobs have been created, and security and peace have been restored.”

It is not lost on political observers that El-Rufai has found himself in an increasingly precarious position. Once a powerful figure in the APC, his recent defection to the SDP signals his diminishing influence within the ruling party. This move, coupled with the ongoing probe into his administration, suggests that he is grappling with political isolation.

El-Rufai’s decision to launch attacks against Governor Sani is, therefore, a calculated strategy to remain politically relevant. Having lost control over the political machinery of Kaduna State, he appears intent on discrediting the current administration in a bid to position himself for a political comeback. However, the people of Kaduna are well aware of this tactic and will not be swayed by baseless rhetoric.

Governor Uba Sani has continued to implement policies that directly benefit the people of Kaduna State. His administration has focused on improving security, investing in education, and revitalizing the agricultural sector. The governor’s emphasis on economic empowerment programmes has provided opportunities for thousands of youths and small business owners in the state.

Unlike his predecessor, who was often criticised for a governance style perceived as high-handed and authoritarian, Governor Sani has fostered inclusivity and collaboration. His approach has earned him the support of stakeholders across political, religious, and ethnic divides.

It is also noteworthy that Governor Sani has not shied away from inherited challenges. Rather than blaming past administrations, he has taken proactive steps to address key issues facing the state. His government’s initiatives in rural development and infrastructure are testimonies to his commitment to equitable governance.

El-Rufai’s allegations against Governor Uba Sani lack merit and should be dismissed as political distractions. Without tangible evidence, they remain mere fabrications designed to create confusion and divert attention from the real issues—particularly the ongoing investigation into El-Rufai’s own financial dealings.

Governor Sani remains committed to delivering on his mandate. His refusal to be drawn into baseless controversies demonstrates his focus on governance rather than political theatrics. The people of Kaduna State are the ultimate judges, and they have already shown where their loyalty lies—behind a leader who prioritises their welfare over political mudslinging.

As Kaduna moves forward, it is imperative that the public remains vigilant against attempts to derail progress through false accusations. Governor Uba Sani has proven himself as a dedicated leader, and no amount of political maneuvering will change the fact that his administration is working tirelessly to build a better Kaduna State.

• Sheriff,  a political affairs analyst, wrote from Kaduna State