Bello El-Rufai Reacts To Father-Governor Sani Tensions, Drops Bombshell On Presidential Aspirations

Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member for Kaduna North and son of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has distanced himself from the ongoing conflict between his father and the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday, Bello expressed his respect for both men, calling his father his “number one role model” and referring to Sani as his former boss. However, he made it clear that he bears no responsibility for mediating between them.

“My main focus is to deliver quality representation to the people of Kaduna North,” he emphasized. “It’s uncomfortable for us. Even if someone is my enemy, I wouldn’t wish to see them fighting with another of my enemies. I want peace.”

Kaduna Debt Dispute and Political Fallout

The friction between the two political heavyweights arises from accusations of financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s tenure. Governor Uba Sani previously lamented that the debt left behind by his predecessor was so severe that the state struggled to pay workers’ salaries.

“The state government cannot even pay workers’ salaries with the little money we receive,” Sani remarked.

Following these claims, the Kaduna State House of Assembly initiated an investigation into the ₦423 billion borrowed and disbursed under El-Rufai’s administration. The probe triggered legal actions, with several former officials arrested or remanded. One official was reportedly hospitalized due to shock after being apprehended by an anti-graft agency, while a former female commissioner allegedly went into hiding.

While Bello El-Rufai expressed doubt over the extent of the feud, his father recently took to social media to respond to Sani’s allegations, openly expressing his displeasure over the governor’s remarks.

From Political Allies to Rivals

Once close allies, El-Rufai and Uba Sani have drifted apart since Sani assumed office. The rift deepened after Sani’s administration launched a probe into El-Rufai’s financial dealings while in office. This turn of events surprised many political observers, as El-Rufai was believed to have played a crucial role in securing Uba Sani’s gubernatorial win.