I’ve Never Spoken Ill of El-Rufai, Says Uba Sani

​KADUNA — Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has maintained that he harbors no animosity toward his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he has never uttered a negative word against his former political benefactor despite ongoing questions surrounding their relationship.

​Speaking during an appearance on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, Governor Sani expressed deep respect for El-Rufai, whose continued detention has sparked public discourse. Addressing speculations about political friction and concerns over his predecessor’s detention since February, the governor made it clear that his loyalty and personal regard remain intact.

​“Honestly speaking, I have no problem with him. If you listen to me carefully, I have never spoken anything bad about him, and I will never speak anything bad about him,” Sani stated.

​The governor also distanced himself from recent remarks made by a party supporter suggesting that El-Rufai should remain in detention until after the next election, clarifying that the individual spoke entirely for himself rather than representing the state government or the governor’s stance.

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​While tight-lipped about private interventions, Sani hinted that he has taken various behind-the-scenes steps to demonstrate his respect for El-Rufai, noting that true respect is reflected through actions rather than public grandstanding.

​“As a matter of respect, many things I’ve done to show my respect for him, my regard for him, I don’t think I should come out and say it. Because when you respect someone, you don’t come out to say certain things,” he explained.

​Reiterating his inclusive approach to governance, Sani noted that he routinely consults past leaders of the state, including former Governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Vice President Namadi Sambo, leveraging their wealth of experience to guide current infrastructure and administrative projects.