Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has rejected suggestions that he is engaged in a political feud with his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he has never spoken against the former governor.

Sani made the clarification during an interview with Trust TV, where he addressed reports of tension between the two politicians and said his administration remained focused on governance rather than political confrontation.

Quick Takeaways

• Uba Sani has denied having a personal problem with Nasir El-Rufai.
• The Kaduna governor insists he has never spoken against his predecessor.
• Sani accused unnamed political actors of exaggerating reports of a fallout.
• He said his administration prioritises governance, unity and delivering democratic dividends.
• ADC governorship candidate Isa Mohammed Ashiru separately accused Sani of being responsible for El-Rufai’s current difficulties.
• El-Rufai is facing reported legal proceedings involving the ICPC and the DSS.

Uba Sani Rejects Claims of a Fallout With El-Rufai

Responding to speculation about his relationship with El-Rufai, Sani maintained that there was no personal dispute between them.

QUOTE BLOCK — UBA SANI

“I have no problem with El-Rufai; I have never spoken against him.”

The governor suggested that some political actors were exaggerating the situation and creating the impression of a crisis between him and his predecessor.

Sani said his attention remained on the responsibilities of governing Kaduna State rather than engaging in political confrontations or media exchanges.

He also emphasised that he continued to respect El-Rufai as his predecessor and leader, despite reports suggesting a strained relationship.

Governor Says Kaduna Needs Unity, Not Political Disputes

Sani presented governance and unity as his administration’s priorities, saying he wanted to focus on delivering the benefits of democracy to residents rather than participating in a public dispute.

He also urged Kaduna residents to disregard rumours of a rift between the two politicians.

His remarks were a direct rejection of the reports suggesting that relations between the incumbent governor and the former governor had deteriorated.

Isa Mohammed Ashiru Accuses Sani Over El-Rufai’s Ordeal

Despite Sani’s denial, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, made a separate allegation concerning El-Rufai’s current circumstances.

Speaking during an interview with DCL Hausa, Ashiru described El-Rufai as his elder brother and denied having any personal disagreement with him.

QUOTE BLOCK — ISA MOHAMMED ASHIRU

“I have no problem whatsoever with Malam Nasir El-Rufai. He is my elder brother.

I want to reiterate that it was Governor Uba Sani who orchestrated the situation El-Rufai currently finds himself in.”

Ashiru’s statement constitutes an allegation against Sani. The material provided does not independently establish that the Kaduna governor orchestrated the legal proceedings involving El-Rufai.

The two politicians’ comments therefore present contrasting positions: Sani rejects claims of a feud, while Ashiru attributes El-Rufai’s current difficulties to the incumbent governor.

What to Know About El-Rufai’s Legal Cases

The political disagreement comes amid legal proceedings involving El-Rufai.

According to the source report, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has held the former governor in custody since February 2026 in connection with investigations into alleged financial misconduct.

El-Rufai is also reported to be facing a separate case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the alleged unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

In the DSS case, the source report states that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined in June 2026 to vary previously imposed bail conditions.

The report also states that a High Court in Kaduna denied El-Rufai bail in a separate corruption case and ordered that he remain in ICPC custody pending the continuation of his trial.

These proceedings provide background to the political controversy, but they do not, by themselves, establish the truth of Ashiru’s allegation against Sani. The latest court records and detention status should be confirmed before publication.

Understanding the Political Dispute

The central issue in the dispute is the difference between Sani’s public denial of a rift and Ashiru’s allegation that the governor played a role in El-Rufai’s current predicament.

Sani says he has no personal problem with his predecessor and maintains that his focus is on governing Kaduna State. Ashiru, meanwhile, has publicly placed responsibility on Sani for the situation facing El-Rufai.

The statements establish that the politicians have expressed conflicting positions. However, the supplied report does not provide independent evidence resolving Ashiru’s allegation or demonstrating that Sani caused the legal cases involving El-Rufai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Uba Sani denied having a rift with Nasir El-Rufai?

Yes. Sani said he had no problem with El-Rufai and had never spoken against him.

Who accused Uba Sani of being responsible for El-Rufai’s ordeal?

Isa Mohammed Ashiru, the ADC governorship candidate in Kaduna State, made the allegation during an interview with DCL Hausa.

What did Sani say about his relationship with El-Rufai?

Sani said he continued to respect El-Rufai as his predecessor and leader and maintained that his administration was focused on governance rather than political conflict.

What legal proceedings is El-Rufai reportedly facing?

The source report refers to ICPC investigations into alleged financial misconduct and a separate DSS case concerning the alleged unlawful interception of communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Has Ashiru’s allegation against Sani been established as fact?

The supplied report does not independently establish the allegation. It should therefore be reported as Ashiru’s claim, not as a proven finding.

Final Editorial Wrap-Up

Uba Sani has dismissed reports of a political rift with Nasir El-Rufai, maintaining that he has never spoken against his predecessor and remains focused on governance in Kaduna State.

However, Isa Mohammed Ashiru has advanced a contrasting allegation, claiming that Sani orchestrated the circumstances currently facing El-Rufai.

The statements highlight a political disagreement involving the incumbent governor, his predecessor and an opposition figure. While the legal proceedings involving El-Rufai form part of the wider context, responsibility for those proceedings should not be attributed to Sani as an established fact without supporting evidence.

The distinction between the politicians’ claims and verified developments remains essential to understanding the dispute.