El-Rufai Didn’t Build Political Structure Alone, Former Chief Of Staff Declares

Saidu, a former Chief of Staff to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has defended his decision to withdraw political support from his former principal, insisting that several associates played crucial roles in building the political structure that helped him attain power.

Saidu dismissed allegations that he and other former allies betrayed El-Rufai, arguing that their decision to distance themselves from him followed growing dissatisfaction with the way he allegedly treated those who supported his political journey.

Speaking during an interview with RFI Hausa, Saidu maintained that El-Rufai did not single-handedly build the political machinery responsible for his electoral victories. He said several members of their political camp had been involved in politics long before El-Rufai joined them and made significant sacrifices to advance their shared political ambitions.

According to Saidu, the former governor still owes recognition to the associates who helped establish the political network that contributed to his rise to power.

“We begged him to join politics,” Saidu said, recalling the early days of their political activities.

He traced his political involvement to the era of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. He also mentioned Professor Ango Abdullahi and other prominent political figures as individuals familiar with the history of their political activities.

The former aide further rejected claims that he and other associates abandoned El-Rufai when he encountered difficulties. To support his position, Saidu recounted his own experience with detention and imprisonment, saying he was arrested on New Year’s Eve and spent 50 days in prison before being released.

He alleged that subsequent court proceedings led to the revocation of his bail, resulting in another 54 days behind bars. Saidu also recalled spending the most recent Eid-el-Adha celebration in prison, arguing that his personal experiences contradicted claims that he had abandoned his former principal during difficult times.

“It is an outright lie to say we abandoned him,” he insisted.

Saidu explained that the disagreement between the former governor and some of his associates stemmed from a growing feeling that their loyalty, contributions and sacrifices were no longer appreciated. He added that his relationship with El-Rufai had extended beyond politics and had become almost like a family bond, making the accusations of betrayal particularly painful.

He also identified disagreements over political succession in Kaduna State as another factor that contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.

According to Saidu, members of their political camp had settled on Malam Jaafaru as their preferred candidate without knowing that El-Rufai had already chosen a different candidate. He suggested that the disagreement over the succession plan further exposed the divisions within the group.

Saidu maintained that his decision to withdraw support was driven by dissatisfaction with El-Rufai’s treatment of his political associates, rather than an intention to betray the former governor.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Saidu’s comments highlight the deepening disagreements among political associates over loyalty, recognition and the control of political structures ahead of future political contests.