The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship hopeful in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has alleged that Governor Uba Sani played a role in the difficulties currently confronting his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Naija News reports that Ashiru made the allegation during an interview with DCL Hausa, where he discussed the former Kaduna governor’s ongoing legal battles and his relationship with the incumbent state leader.
Ashiru maintained that El-Rufai had no personal disagreement with him, describing the former governor as an elder brother. He further alleged that Sani was responsible for the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s current predicament.
The accusations come as El-Rufai continues to face investigations and court proceedings over allegations involving financial misconduct and the purported interception of communications linked to a senior government official.
ICPC, DSS Cases Against Former Kaduna Governor
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 2026, according to reports, as investigations into alleged financial irregularities continue.
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is also facing a separate legal case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS proceedings concern allegations that communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were unlawfully intercepted. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
In June 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, reportedly rejected an application seeking changes to the bail conditions previously imposed on El-Rufai in the communications-related case.
The decision meant that the existing bail terms remained in force, subject to the court’s earlier orders.
Separately, El-Rufai is facing corruption-related proceedings before the Kaduna State High Court. The court reportedly refused to grant him bail and directed that he remain in ICPC custody while the case continues.
The legal proceedings have drawn attention to the former governor’s political relationships and the circumstances surrounding the investigations.
Ashiru Accuses Uba Sani of Orchestrating El-Rufai’s Predicament
Commenting on the situation, Ashiru accused the incumbent Kaduna governor of engineering the difficulties confronting his predecessor.
During his conversation with DCL Hausa, the ADC chieftain emphasised that he maintained a cordial personal relationship with El-Rufai despite the political developments surrounding the former governor.
Ashiru said, “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.”
His remarks suggest that he believes the political relationship between the two former allies is relevant to understanding the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s current challenges.
However, the allegation against Sani represents Ashiru’s position on the matter and does not, on its own, establish that the Kaduna governor influenced the investigations or judicial decisions involving El-Rufai.
The developments continue to attract political attention in Kaduna State, where the relationship between the current administration and the former governor remains a subject of public discussion.
As the court cases proceed, the allegations against El-Rufai and Ashiru’s claims concerning Sani remain separate issues that must be assessed on the basis of available evidence and the outcomes of the relevant legal proceedings.
