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Battle Royale: The Travails of Nasir el-Rufai

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, now is far from the best of times as he is embroiled in a scandal that involves stealing of a whooping sum of N423 billion from the state coffers while he was governor, according to the State House of Assembly.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had established an ad hoc committee to review all finances, loans, and contracts awarded under the immediate-past governor, and filed its findings on Wednesday, indicting the ex-governor and several of his officials for syphoning N423 billion in state funds.

The incumbent governor of the state, Uba Sani, while speaking during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, said he inherited a lean treasury, which made it difficult for him to pay workers’ salaries.

He said that, “Despite the huge debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.”

Consequent upon the suspicion of malapproprietion of funds in the administration of El-Rufai, Governor Sani had referred the matter to the state house of Assembly, which set up a 13-man panel in April to conduct a thorough investigation of the El-Rufai government.

The panel was led by Deputy Speaker Henry Danjuma, and began work immediately, using as premise, the complaints of Governor Sani, which bordered on the inherited lean treasury, leaving him with a huge debt profile.

The panel worked with speed, and came out with a detailed report, which indicted the former governor.

While presenting the report during plenary during the week, Danjuma stated that the majority of loans secured during El-Rufai’s government were not used for the intended purpose, and that in some cases, proper process was not followed in obtaining the loans.

Receiving the report, Yusuf Liman, Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, stated that the El-Rufai administration syphoned a total of N423 billion, leaving the state with massive liabilities.

The committee’s report, which was immediately adopted and its recommendations forwarded to state Governor Sani for immediate action, alleged that El-Rufai authorised massive withdrawals of cash from the state’s coffers, both in naira and dollars, with no records of utilisation, depriving the state of critical resources for development.

It further claimed that El-Rufai was involved in collusive actions with commissioners and heads of parastatals by allegedly sending directions to the Kaduna Public Procurement Agency to avoid due process in contractor payment via a letter dated June 21, 2021.

The committee reported that certain government contractors were overpaid, while others received funds without completing the allotted jobs.

It consequently suggested that the contractors it identified restore a total sum of N36.3 billion as “funds paid for work either not done, overpayment, or diversion to the Kaduna State government.”

The committee also recommended that the current Commissioner of Finance, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, and Executive Secretary of the State Pension Bureau step aside to allow for a thorough investigation of the ministry’s and agencies’ activities.

The Assembly, in adopting the 13-man panel’s report, asked Governor Uba Sani to refer El-Rufai, his Commissioner of Finance, and other aides to competent security agencies for inquiry.

However, El-Rufai’s media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, has quickly dismissed the allegation as untrue and scandalous.’

“We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government.

“We have not been provided with a copy of the report, to which we will respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee,” Adekeye said.

In their reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has said reports of the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s investigations on the expenditure of the immediate past administration of Elrufai had vindicated its position.

A statement issued by the party signed by the state publicity secretary, Abraham Catoh, said they had always challenged the government on certain expenses of the El-rufai government.

The PDP therefore called on the governor of the state, Sen. Uba Sani, to, as a matter of transparency and posterity, immediately invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related matters Commission (ICPC) to investigate further and recover all the monies allegedly looted by those found guilty and be prosecuted as revealed and recommended by the committee’s report.

It would be recalled that the ad-hoc committee set up to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former governor, Mallam el-Rufai, the Kaduna State House of Assembly found him and several of his commissioners and aides wanting and asked that anti-graft agencies probe them.

The House alleged that N423bn of state resources were siphoned under the El-Rufa’i government and asked the incumbent governor to refer the former governor, former commissioners of finance and other indicted aides to relevant security agencies for investigation.

“The reports of the Kaduna State House of Assembly investigations on financial expenditure of the immediate past administration of Nasir Elrufai has vindicated the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, that has always challenged the government on certain expenses of the Elrufai government.

“The PDP wishes to call on the governor of the state, Sen. Uba Sani, to, as a matter of transparency and posterity, immediately invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission, ICPC, to further investigate and recover all the monies looted by Nasir Elrufai and his cronies and those found guilty be prosecuted, as revealed and recommended by the Committee’s report.

“It will be recalled that earlier, governor Uba Sani had claimed that he supported and gave his consent during the application for the loan in good faith while serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Kaduna, taking this bold step will further exonerate him from the public scrutiny and court of public opinion.

“The PDP supports full government action towards enthroning transparency and good governance across all levels of government in the state.”

Apart from the PDP, other Nigerians, mostly of Kaduna extraction, including Senator Shehu Sani, has asked for a thorough probe of the former governor, and any person involved in the scandal.

Also lending hia voice, Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome said the former governor has a right to a fair hearing.

“…I think that whatever happens, el-Rufai must be given his right to a fair hearing. The assembly has just merely made a recommendation and told the governor to implement it,” he said.

“The governor may look at it and, and feel well, ‘this is not worth the energy at the time. Let’s face other things’.

“Others may say, ‘N423 billion they are accusing him of is not a small amount; let’s dig in.’ So, whatever the outcome would be, don’t forget that El-Rufai also has his own fundamental rights to protect. For example, he may decide to go to court to challenge the indictment itself.

“Maybe you could say he was not given a fair trial. He was never called. I don’t know whether he was called to come and defend himself.

“Was he duly invited? Was he given an opportunity to defend himself? If he was and he chose to stay back, that’s another ball game. So, because I do not have all those duties, it becomes peremptory for me to comment on it.

“You don’t indict a person by proxy. No, you don’t, particularly in a matter that has criminal connotations. You can’t do that by proxy. So, it has to be the person.”

Recall that earlier in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, El-rufai was dropped, having been given hope of making the Ministerial list. No cogent reasons have so far been given for the treatment.

But stakeholders have wondered why the battle royale, since both parties belong to the same All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coming days will unveil much about the present contest between two allies.

Headline

Court Validates PDP 2025 Convention in Ibadan, Affirms Turaki-led NWC

Published

8 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Eric

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the 2025 Elective Convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), which produced Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the convention in its entirety, ruling that it was conducted in full compliance with the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing party elections in Nigeria.

The decision marked a significant legal victory for the party’s leadership and brought clarity to the dispute surrounding the convention’s legitimacy.

The ruling followed an amended originating summons filed by Misibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, in Suit No. I/1336/2025.

In a comprehensive judgment, the court granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, effectively endorsing the processes and outcomes of the Ibadan convention.

Justice Akintola held that the convention, organised by the recognised leadership of the party, satisfied all laid-down legal requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The court found no breach of due process or statutory non-compliance in the conduct of the exercise.

In the same proceedings, the court dismissed the Motion on Notice seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling, filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. The applications were described as lacking merit.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court had also rejected a bid by Ibrahim to have his clients joined in the suit.

Justice Akintola ruled at the time that the joinder application was unsubstantiated and consequently dismissed it.

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Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Eric

Opposition political parties have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act recently passed by the National Assembly, which President Bola Tinubu swiftly signed into law.

The parties called on the National Assembly to immediately begin a fresh amendment process to remove what they described as “all obnoxious provisions” in the law.

Their position was made known at a press briefing themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.

In a communiqué read by the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Ahmed Ajuji, the opposition leaders stated:

“We demand that the National Assembly immediately commence a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, to remove all obnoxious provisions and ensure that the Act reflects only the will and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in our country. Nothing short of this will be acceptable to Nigerians.”

Some of the opposition leaders present in at the event include former Senate President David Mark; former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, all from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, and other prominent members of the NNPP, notably Buba Galadima, were also in attendance.

The coalition said the amended law, signed by Bola Tinubu, contains “anti-democratic” clauses, which they argue may weaken electoral transparency and public confidence in the voting system.

At the centre of the opposition’s concerns is the amendment to Section 60(3), which allows presiding officers to rely on manual transmission of election results where there is communication failure.

According to the coalition, the provision weakens the mandatory electronic transmission of results and could create loopholes for manipulation.

They argued that Nigeria’s electoral technology infrastructure is sufficient to support nationwide electronic transmission, citing previous assurances by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The parties also rejected the amendment to Section 84, which restricts political parties to direct primaries and consensus methods for candidate selection.

They described the change as an unconstitutional intrusion into the internal affairs of parties, insisting that indirect primaries remain a legitimate democratic option.

The opposition cited alleged irregularities in the recent Federal Capital Territory local government elections as evidence of what they described as a broader pattern of electoral compromise.

They characterised the polls as a “complete fraud” and said the outcome has deepened their lack of confidence in the ability of the electoral system to deliver credible elections in 2027.

The coalition also condemned reported attacks on leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, describing the incidents as a serious threat to democratic participation and political tolerance.

They warned that increasing violence against opposition figures could destabilise the political environment if not urgently addressed.

In their joint statement, the opposition parties pledged to pursue “every constitutional means” to challenge the Electoral Act 2026 and safeguard voters’ rights.

“We will not be intimidated,” the leaders said, urging civil society organisations and citizens to support efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.

On February 18, 2026, President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 into law following its passage by the National Assembly. The Act introduced several reforms, including statutory recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and revised election timelines.

However, opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also called for further amendments, particularly over the manual transmission fallback clause, which critics say leaves room for manipulation.

The president said the law will strengthen democracy and prevent voter disenfranchisement.

Tinubu defended manual collation of results, questioned Nigeria’s readiness for full real-time electronic transmission, and warned against technical glitches and hacking.

The Electoral Act sparked intense debate in the National Assembly over how election results should be transmitted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Civil society groups under the “Occupy NASS” campaign demanded real-time transmission to curb manipulation.

In the Senate, lawmakers clashed during consideration of Clause 60, which allows manual transmission of results if electronic transmission fails.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South) demanded a formal vote to remove the proviso permitting manual transmission, arguing against weakening real-time electronic reporting.

The move led to a heated exchange on the floor, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially suggesting the demand had been withdrawn.

After procedural disputes and a brief confrontation among senators, a division was conducted. Fifteen opposition senators voted against retaining the manual transmission proviso, while 55 supported it, allowing the clause to stand.

Earlier proceedings had briefly stalled during clause-by-clause review, prompting consultations and a closed-door session.

In the House of Representatives, a similar disagreement came up over a motion to rescind an earlier decision that mandated compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results to IReV.

Although the “nays” were louder during a voice vote, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled in favour of rescinding the decision, triggering protests and an executive session.

Headline

AFP: How Tinubu’s Govt Paid Boko Haram ‘Huge’ Ransom, Released Two Terrorists for Kidnapped Saint Mary’s Pupils

Published

4 days ago

February 24, 2026

Eric

The Nigerian government paid Boko Haram militants a “huge” ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the jihadists abducted from a Catholic school in November, an AFP investigation revealed Monday.

Two Boko Haram commanders were also freed as part of the deal, which goes against the country’s own law banning payments to kidnappers. The money was delivered by helicopter to Boko Haram’s Gwoza stronghold in northeastern Borno state on the border with Cameroon, intelligence sources told AFP.

The decision to pay the militants is likely to irritate US President Donald Trump, who ordered air strikes on jihadists in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day and has been sent military trainers to help support Nigerian forces.

Nigerian government officials deny any ransom was paid to the armed gang that snatched close to 300 schoolchildren and staff from St. Mary’s boarding school in Papiri in central Niger state on November 21. At least 50 later managed to escape their captors.

Boko Haram has not been previously linked to the kidnapping, but sources told AFP one of its most feared commanders was behind the mass abduction: the notorious jihadist known as Sadiku.

He infamously held up a train from the capital in 2022 and netted hefty ransoms for the release of government officials and other well-off passengers.

Boko Haram, which has waged a bloody insurgency since 2009, is strongest in northeast Nigeria.

But a cell in central Niger state operates under Sadiku’s leadership. The St. Mary’s pupils and staff were freed after two weeks of negotiations led by Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, with the government insisting no ransom was paid. Nigeria’s State Security Service flatly denied paying any money, saying “government agents don’t pay ransoms”.

However, four intelligence sources familiar with the talks told AFP the government paid a “huge” ransom to get the pupils back. One source put it at 40 million naira per head – around $7 million in total.

Another put the figure lower at two billion naira overall. The money was delivered by chopper to Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander in the northeast, three sources told AFP.

Due to the lack of communications cover in the remote area, Ngulde had to cross into Cameroon to confirm delivery of the ransom before the first group of 100 children were released.

Nigeria has long been plagued by mass abductions, with criminals and jihadist groups sometimes working together to extort millions from hostages’ families, and authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.

Source: Africanews