El-Rufai Blows Hot, Uncovers How Kaduna Gov Uba Sani Allegedly Siphoned LG Funds To UK, South Africa
- Former governor of Kaduna state Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that his successor, Governor Uba Sani, diverted local government funds to acquire properties abroad, including in the UK and South Africa
- While Governor Sani has not directly responded to El-Rufai’s claims, he previously stated that he remains focused on governance and will not be distracted by baseless accusations
- Former senator Shehu Sani has urged El-Rufai to present concrete proof of the alleged fund diversion
Former governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has accused his successor, Governor Uba Sani, of allegedly misappropriating local government funds for the purchase of properties in foreign countries, including the United Kingdom and South Africa.
El-Rufai's allegations of fund diversion
Speaking in an interview with Freedom Radio Kaduna, El-Rufai claimed that Governor Sani converted local government allocations into foreign currency to acquire real estate abroad.
He insisted that during his administration, local government funds were disbursed without interference.
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“When I was governor, I never withheld a single kobo from local government funds. Once we deducted necessary expenses for education, primary healthcare, and other essential services, the remaining funds were handed over for their operations. This can be confirmed by both PDP and APC chairmen in the state,” El-Rufai stated.
He further alleged that the current administration was diverting these funds with the backing of powerful figures in the federal government, whom he accused of orchestrating a campaign to undermine his legacy, Daily Trust reported.
“As I speak, no local government in Kaduna receives more than N50 million per month. Once the allocation arrives, they siphon it, exchange it into dollars, and use it to buy properties in Seychelles, South Africa, London, and other places," he said.
Sani: 'I won’t engage in idle talk'
Efforts to get an official response from Governor Sani’s office were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
However, the governor had previously dismissed political controversies, stating that his priority remains serving the people of Kaduna state.
As reported by Vanguard, during a recent Iftar gathering with social media influencers, Governor Sani remarked,
“My focus is on governance and delivering on my promises to the people. I will not be distracted by baseless accusations that add no value to the development of Kaduna State.”
Shehu Sani challenges El-Rufai for evidence
Former Senator Shehu Sani weighed in on the controversy, urging El-Rufai to present credible evidence to substantiate his claims.
He suggested that the allegations were an attempt to divert attention from the corruption probe into El-Rufai’s administration.
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“If El-Rufai has documents proving that local government funds were used to purchase properties in Seychelles, South Africa, or the UK, let him present them. Otherwise, these claims remain mere speculation,” Shehu Sani said in an interview.
Political rift between El-Rufai, Sani intensifies
El-Rufai and Uba Sani, once political allies, have been at odds since the latter assumed office.
The Kaduna state House of Assembly launched an investigation into El-Rufai’s administration, alleging the mismanagement of over N420 billion during his tenure.
The former governor has denied any wrongdoing, describing the probe as politically motivated.
Their rivalry has escalated further in recent months, with both sides making strong accusations against each other.
The growing tension has fuelled concerns over political stability in the state, with supporters of both figures firmly divided.
APC Chieftain blasts El-Rufai, advises him to move on
A senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olalekan Adewole, has slammed former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent allegations against his successor, Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng on Sunday, March 23, Adewole described El-Rufai's claims as "a desperate attempt to stay relevant after being politically sidelined."
"El-Rufai should quit this bitterness and move on with his life. His continuous outbursts against Uba Sani only expose his frustration over his dwindling influence. If he has credible evidence of corruption, let him take it to the appropriate authorities instead of running his mouth in the media," Adewole said.
He further accused the former governor of hypocrisy, reminding Nigerians that El-Rufai himself is under investigation for the alleged mismanagement of over N420 billion during his tenure.
"This is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Instead of answering the corruption allegations leveled against him, he is busy throwing baseless accusations. It is high time he focused on his almost dead political career instead of trying to drag others down with him," he added.
Adewole reaffirmed the APC's commitment to good governance and urged party members to disregard El-Rufai’s distractions, calling on Governor Uba Sani to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State.
Shehu Sani reacts as El-Rufai dumps APC for SDP
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Shehu Sani, the senator from the eighth national assembly, had said that the defection of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna state, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is a welcome development.
The former senator explained that the defection would not have any effect on the fortune of the APC in the 2027 general elections in the state.
