El-Rufai Facing Situation Similar To Those He Once Imposed On Others – Shehu Sani

By Ayodele Oni 

As debate over former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s record in office continues, former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has reflected on his tenure as governor and his present circumstances.

Sani argued that the former governor is experiencing the consequences of how he  exercised power while in office.

Sani made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he observed that El Rufai ‘s administration showed little regard for the rule of law and court orders. 

He alleged that the former governor used state power to arrest and detain people, adding that El-Rufai was now facing a situation similar to those he once imposed on others.

“El-Rufai is paying the price for his misgovernance and his irresponsibility when he was in public office.”

He added that El-Rufai “had no respect for the rule of law” and “didn’t obey court orders,” while alleging that several people were arrested and sent to jail during his tenure.

“Today he has found himself in the very place where he has taken so many people,” Sani said.

El-Rufai was Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023. He is currently facing legal proceedings, including a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja relating to alleged interception of telephone communications. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Court is expected to rule on his no-case submission on October 26, 2026. The former governor has also faced other legal challenges arising from investigations into his administration.

In March, the ICPC filed charges involving allegations including abuse of office, fraud and conferring undue advantage.

El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and challenged aspects of his detention and the investigations against him. 

Sani’s comments come amid an increasing contentious public debate over El-Rufai’s treatment by government agencies and the broader question of accountability for former public officials.

While supporters of the former governor have raised concerns about his detention and legal proceedings, his critics have argued that former office holders should also be held accountable where there is evidence of wrongdoing.

El-Rufai’s legal team had previously maintained that allegations made against him must be proved in court and has rejected several accusations against him.