The ongoing discord between the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, and his successor, the incumbent Governor Senator Uba Sani, escalated recently over the state’s debt profile. The tension, which surfaced during the weekend, took a new turn as the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) suspended its women leader, Hajiya Maryam Suleiman, for allegedly defaming the governor’s character,leadership reports.
Suleiman, a staunch supporter of El-Rufai, found herself in the crosshairs of party discipline due to her criticism of Governor Sani’s handling of the debt issue. Sources close to the state government suggest that Governor Sani has been uneasy with the composition of his administration, which largely mirrors that of his predecessor, El-Rufai. This loyalty to El-Rufai is perceived as a repayment for the support he received during his rise to power.
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The rift between the two leaders reached a boiling point when Governor Sani disclosed the substantial debt burden inherited from the previous administration, making it challenging to meet the state’s financial obligations, including salary payments. This revelation drew criticism, notably from Bashir El-Rufai, the son of the former governor, who accused Governor Sani of evading his responsibilities by remaining distant from state affairs.
Senator Shehu Sani, a vocal critic of El-Rufai’s borrowing practices, claimed vindication in light of these developments. Meanwhile, the suspension of Hajiya Maryam Suleiman underscores the internal strife within the APC in Kaduna State, as El-Rufai’s recent political engagements outside the party fuel speculations about his future intentions, including rumors of a potential presidential bid in 2027.
Salihu Lukman, a former APC national vice chairman from Kaduna, urged party leaders to acknowledge their failure in managing the discord between Governor Sani and El-Rufai. He emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the state’s debt and proposed new strategies to address the financial challenges. Lukman also highlighted the strained personal relationship between the two leaders, reminiscent of past political rifts in the state.
In response to her suspension, Hajiya Maryam Suleiman stood by her criticism of Governor Sani’s handling of the debt issue, implicating him as complicit in the decisions leading to the state’s financial predicament.
