Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has linked Nasir El-Rufai’s prolonged detention to what he described as the former governor’s record in office, accusing him of disregarding court orders and opponents while in power.
Sani, the APC candidate for Kaduna Central in the 2027 election, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Friday while reacting to El-Rufai’s recent complaint that some of his former allies had abandoned him.
According to Sani, El-Rufai’s current circumstances should be viewed against his conduct during his eight years as Kaduna governor.
“I have heard many comments from people raising sympathy for him. But this is my take. When you’re in office, always remind yourself that it’s an opportunity and it’s temporary,” Sani said.
He alleged that El-Rufai’s administration disregarded court orders and detained opposition figures, critics and religious leaders.
Sani recalled the detention of Christian leaders in Kajuru and religious figures in Zaria, as well as members of the Islamic Movement, saying he was involved in efforts that led to the release of some of those detained.
“He was in office and had no respect for the rule of law. He didn’t obey court orders. Today, he’s found himself in a place where he took people,” the former senator said.
Sani’s comments followed a letter by El-Rufai in which the former governor expressed disappointment over what he described as the abandonment and betrayal of people he had previously supported.
El-Rufai said he had stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but added that he was not seeking revenge or retribution.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution,” he said, adding that ultimate accountability belonged to Almighty Allah.
El-Rufai has remained in detention since February 18 amid investigations by anti-graft agencies into allegations of financial misconduct involving about ₦432 billion, following a petition by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
He is also facing a separate case brought by the Department of State Services over an allegation that he intercepted the phone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The allegations against El-Rufai remain subject to legal proceedings and have not been established as facts against him.