.Shehu Sani Urges Northern Leaders to Stop Politicizing Insecurity Crisis

.Shehu Sani Urges Northern Leaders to Stop Politicizing Insecurity Crisis

Former Senator Shehu Sani has criticized northern political elites for exploiting the region’s security challenges for political advantage as the 2027 general elections approach. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Open Heart Foundation and the Women Empowerment Centre in Kaduna on Tuesday, Sani called for genuine confrontation of the root causes of insecurity rather than political manipulation.

The civil rights activist identified almajirci (a system of Islamic education), mass illiteracy, poverty, and underdevelopment as fundamental drivers of the security crisis. He emphasized that the terrorists and bandits plaguing the North-East and North-West are predominantly northerners, urging regional leaders to take ownership of the problem.

Sani condemned what he described as political hypocrisy among northern leadership, noting that some politicians who remained silent during previous administrations now use insecurity as a political weapon. He accused certain political actors of celebrating attacks because they weaken the government, calling this approach immoral.

The former senator specifically criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent allegations that the current administration had paid over a billion naira to bandits. Sani reminded observers that El-Rufai had previously admitted to appeasing bandits during his tenure, when Kaduna experienced significant security challenges and religious divisions.

While acknowledging that Kaduna is not yet completely safe, Sani credited current Governor Uba Sani’s administration with reducing religious tensions and improving security in volatile areas like Birnin Gwari. He also recognized measurable progress under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Warning that attacks on schools, churches, and mosques may intensify as elections approach, Sani dismissed expectations of external intervention, stating that Nigeria’s salvation lies in strengthening its armed forces and unity among citizens.

The women’s groups who visited expressed deep concern over ongoing kidnappings of students and called on authorities to ensure the safe return of all kidnapped victims.