Shehu Sani criticizes El-Rufai, says he never fought for democracy

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has launched a sharp critique of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his tenure as marked by arrogance and a lack of commitment to democratic principles.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Monday, Sani stated that El-Rufai has remained “angry and frustrated” since leaving office in 2023, suggesting that his post-governorship actions and statements reflect lingering resentment.

“For people like Nasir, when they found themselves in the position of office, they don’t know what democracy is all about because they didn’t fight for it,” Sani said.

READ ALSO:How El-Rufai used taxpayers’ money to pay bandits in Kaduna – Ex-aide reveals

“He was an unknown figure before 1999 and became DG of BPE. He has never been in a cell for one day. He has never been in prison.

“For me, as you see me here, I have been through the rough times of my life. I have been through many prisons. I have been through many police stations.

“I have served so many years. I wore prison uniform. I wore leg chain. I wore handcuffs as a political prisoner fighting for this democracy that is 25 years old.”

Sani said politicians like el-Rufai, “who benefitted from the establishment without personal sacrifice”, govern with arrogance once in power.

The former lawmaker described the ex-minister as “angry and frustrated after failing to maintain political control” in Kaduna and at the federal level.

“He had this high sense of entitlement and expectation that he’s going to have a governor he can manipulate in Kaduna state. That failed,” he said.

“He thought he was going to be in the cycle of power at the federal level. That also failed. And now he has returned back to mischief.”

On Sunday, el-Rufai alleged that suspected thugs who invaded the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition meeting in Kaduna were government-sponsored.