El-Rufai Urged to Recognize Uba Sani as Kaduna’s Leader

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has been advised to acknowledge his successor, Uba Sani, as the legitimate leader of the state amid ongoing political tensions.

Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, a notable figure in Kaduna’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to recognize Senator Uba Sani as the rightful leader of the state and offer him support.

Hunkuyi also encouraged El-Rufai to apologize to the residents of Kaduna for the controversies related to his administration.

El-Rufai served as the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, and Hunkuyi was a senator representing Zone One between 2015 and 2019; both were members of the APC. However, their political alliance deteriorated over time, ultimately leading to El-Rufai’s administration demolishing Hunkuyi’s house.

At a meeting with APC stakeholders from Zone One, attended by Governor Uba Sani and local government party chairmen, Hunkuyi urged El-Rufai to cease his opposition to the current administration and the party’s leadership.

“For two years, I chose to refrain from speaking in public. I avoided the radio entirely; this was a personal choice without any external pressure. However, now it is time for me to end this silence and begin expressing myself again,” Hunkuyi announced.

He stressed the importance of El-Rufai apologizing to the people of Kaduna.

“Your Excellency, I bring up the people because it’s for them that we are gathered here today. You have assembled this crowd on their behalf, and it is due to their significance that all party chairmen from the LGAs are present. While I haven’t singled anyone out by name, I’m personally urging him to seek forgiveness from the people,” he stated.

Hunkuyi further highlighted that El-Rufai’s political success was not just a result of his personal qualities, but also because he had the support of the people of Kaduna.

“With Governor Uba Sani now elected into office, El-Rufai should also follow suit and embrace peace. I am Hunkuyi, speaking on my own accord. I swear to God that no one prompted me to make these remarks—I haven’t discussed this with anyone else. I’m expressing this because I believe the direction El-Rufai has taken isn’t correct,” he stated.