Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has insisted that he has never spoken negatively about his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, maintaining that he still holds the former governor in high regard despite questions about their relationship.
Sani made the clarification during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, where he was asked about El-Rufai’s continued detention and his political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” the governor said.
He also distanced himself from a statement reportedly made by a supporter of his political party suggesting that El-Rufai should remain in detention until after the next election.
According to Sani, the individual was expressing a personal opinion and did not speak on his behalf.
“The person that made that statement was speaking for himself. He was not speaking for me,” he clarified.
The governor further disclosed that he had taken steps to demonstrate his respect for the former governor but preferred not to make such efforts public.
Sani maintained that his decision to keep quiet about certain matters should not be interpreted as a lack of regard for El-Rufai, adding that he had not withdrawn or contradicted his previous positive remarks about his predecessor.
Beyond his relationship with El-Rufai, Sani said he regularly consults former governors for advice on governance and development projects.
He cited former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, whom he said he had consulted on road construction projects, including the road linking Soba and Zaria.
He also disclosed that he had sought advice from former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, particularly regarding the design of a project.
Sani argued that serving governors should be willing to learn from those who previously occupied the office, noting that experience and humility were important to effective leadership.
The relationship between Sani and El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has reportedly deteriorated since Sani succeeded him. El-Rufai has also faced legal proceedings over allegations of financial misconduct, which he has denied.
Despite the reported political differences, Sani reiterated that he had no intention of speaking ill of his predecessor.
