Uba Sani Is Responsible — Ashiru Speaks Out On El-Rufai’s Legal Troubles

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has accused Governor Uba Sani of being responsible for the legal challenges currently facing former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ashiru made the allegation during an interview with DCL Hausa, where he expressed solidarity with El-Rufai and claimed that the current governor had orchestrated the situation involving the former state leader.

Ashiru said he had no personal dispute with El-Rufai, whom he described as an elder brother, while reiterating his belief that Sani was responsible for the former governor’s current predicament.

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

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

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 2026 amid investigations into allegations of financial misconduct. The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.

The former governor, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is also 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 June 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, declined to vary the bail conditions previously imposed on El-Rufai in connection with the DSS case.

In a separate corruption case before the Kaduna State High Court, his bail application was reportedly denied, with the court ordering that he remain in ICPC custody pending the continuation of the trial.

Ashiru’s comments have added a political dimension to the legal controversies surrounding the former governor, amid continuing tensions within Kaduna State’s political landscape. However, his allegation against Sani remains a claim made by the ADC candidate and does not, on its own, establish the governor’s responsibility for El-Rufai’s legal troubles.