Kaduna State

Nigeria’s political arena has never been short of strong personalities, but few figures have remained as consistently relevant as Nasir El-Rufai. Love him or dislike him, it is difficult to ignore the fact that he has been one of the most consequential actors in Nigeria’s political journey since the return to civil rule in 1999. His recent confrontation with security authorities and the attempt to detain him without clear evidence speak less about law enforcement and more about the anxiety within the ruling establishment.

To understand the current political tension, one must first understand El-Rufai’s place in the system. From his early role in the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo to his strategic alignment in the political transitions that produced Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and later Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai has repeatedly demonstrated a rare understanding of how power works in Nigeria. Few politicians can claim to have operated so close to multiple presidencies across different political eras.

His experience is not accidental. As a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and later governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai built a reputation for being both strategic and outspoken. That combination has earned him loyal supporters and fierce critics. Yet even his opponents concede that he understands the inner workings of Nigerian politics better than most of his contemporaries.

What makes the present situation intriguing is the reaction of the current government under President Bola Tinubu. Political watchers note that the administration appears unusually sensitive to El-Rufai’s moves and statements. The attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which was resisted by supporters who had gathered to welcome him, has only deepened public suspicion that political motivations may be at play.

In any democratic society, the rule of law demands that allegations be backed by evidence. Detaining a prominent political figure without a clear justification risks sending the wrong message to the public. It creates the impression that state institutions are being deployed as political tools rather than impartial guardians of justice. Such actions can weaken public confidence in democracy at a time when many Nigerians are already questioning the direction of the country’s governance.

Beyond the immediate controversy, El-Rufai’s political relevance lies in his networks and influence. In Northern Nigeria, he maintains relationships with traditional leaders, religious authorities, and political elites. His connections with groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum and his standing among many northern political actors make him a figure whose voice carries weight in national conversations.

This is also why his reported involvement in strengthening the African Democratic Congress has attracted attention. In a political environment where alliances and coalitions often determine electoral outcomes, any figure capable of mobilising political forces across regions automatically becomes a strategic concern for those in power.

El-Rufai himself has long argued that political dominance in Nigeria can be challenged through direct engagement with voters. During a public lecture in Lagos years ago, he pointed out that millions of registered voters often stay away from the polls. His argument was simple. If a politician can mobilise even a fraction of those disengaged citizens, entrenched political structures can be defeated. That message resonates strongly in today’s political climate.

The lesson from his remarks is that Nigerian democracy still holds untapped potential. Electoral participation remains one of the most powerful tools available to citizens. When politicians connect directly with voters rather than relying solely on elite political arrangements, the balance of power can shift dramatically.

The current political drama surrounding El-Rufai, therefore, reflects a deeper struggle within Nigeria’s political system. It is not merely about one individual. It is about the anxiety that emerges whenever established power structures sense the rise of alternative political forces.

Whether one agrees with his politics or not, attempting to silence a figure like El-Rufai through intimidation or questionable legal action does not strengthen democracy. If anything, it elevates his profile and reinforces the perception that he represents a genuine challenge to the status quo.

Nigeria’s democracy should be strong enough to accommodate dissent, criticism, and competition. The country has endured decades of political turbulence and should have learned by now that suppressing political voices rarely solves problems. Open contestation, debate, and accountability are the true pillars of democratic progress.

As the political landscape gradually shifts toward the next electoral cycle, figures like Nasir El-Rufai will continue to shape conversations about leadership, power, and the future of governance in Nigeria. The real question is not whether he will remain relevant. The real question is how Nigeria’s political system will respond to voices that challenge the existing order.

If democracy means anything, it must allow strong political actors to participate freely without fear of intimidation. The strength of a nation’s democracy is measured not by how it treats its friends, but by how it treats its critics.

Interesting time ahead.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Alumni of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship have called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, describing his continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental human rights.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the group expressed “deep concern” over what it termed the illegal detention of El-Rufai, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of personal liberty, dignity and due process under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alumni further criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to produce the former governor before the Federal High Court on February 25, 2026, stating that this action infringes his right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as provided under Section 36 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, the right to be brought promptly before a court is “not discretionary but an essential safeguard of personal liberty and justice.” The group urged all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and uphold the rule of law.

The fellowship alumni also highlighted El-Rufai’s record in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Kaduna State, where they said he implemented institutional reforms and socio-economic development programmes with measurable impact. They noted that the establishment of the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship was among his initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and leadership.

Reaffirming their solidarity, the group called on well-meaning Nigerians to support their demand for justice and due process. They insisted that every citizen is entitled to protection from unlawful detention and urged authorities to grant El-Rufai full rights to defend himself without prejudice.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for his immediate release, emphasising that adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law is critical to strengthening public trust in national institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Department of State Services is set to prosecute former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime and national security violations.

The trial is scheduled to begin next Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case will be heard by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The assignment followed a directive by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. The News Agency of Nigeria confirmed the development.

Court filings indicate that the DSS lodged a three-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 against the former governor. The agency accused him of unlawful interception of communications and acts said to threaten national security.

According to the charge sheet submitted on Monday, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai intercepted telephone conversations belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Prosecutors stated in the first count that the former governor allegedly made an admission during a live appearance on ARISE TV on February 13. They claimed he said that he and unnamed associates intercepted Ribadu’s phone communications. The offence allegedly contravenes Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The second count alleged that El-Rufai associated with a person who carried out the interception and failed to notify security authorities. Prosecutors said this action is punishable under Section 27(b) of the same Act.

In the third count, the DSS accused El-Rufai and other suspects still at large of deploying technical systems that endangered public safety and national security. The agency alleged that the actions created fear among Nigerians through the interception of classified communications.

The charges come amid ongoing probes by federal anti-corruption and security agencies.

Earlier in the week, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained the former governor over separate corruption allegations. He was granted administrative bail around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Shortly after, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission took him into custody.

ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed at the time that the former governor remained in the commission’s custody as investigations continued.

Operatives of the ICPC also searched El-Rufai’s residence on Aso Drive in Abuja during a late-night operation. Sources described the action as part of an expanding corruption investigation.

The commission did not release details about the search or items recovered. However, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation. He alleged that due process was ignored and his client’s fundamental rights were violated.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

Nigeria has seen political fallouts before, but few are as unsettling as the growing public rupture between Nasir El‑Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu. What makes the moment troubling is not merely the personalities involved, but what their dispute threatens to do to national cohesion, public trust and the already fragile boundary between politics and security.

If two men who once symbolised reformist zeal and institutional courage now choose a path of mutual destruction, they should pause and reflect—on their faith, their region, and the national interest. Because stripped of rhetoric and television soundbites, this is no longer about governance, security reform or leadership ethics. It is the bare-knuckle politics of succession, alignment and survival ahead of the next election cycle.

There was a time when this clash would have been unthinkable. Both men emerged from the same political generation shaped by the reformist moment of the early 2000s under Olusegun Obasanjo. El-Rufai, the outspoken technocrat as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Ribadu, the dogged anti-corruption crusader as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, were once celebrated as “Obasanjo’s boys”—symbols of a new order that promised discipline, accountability and institutional renewal.

They shared proximity to power, similar access to the president, and a reputation for fearlessness. Their friendship appeared not only political but personal—jolly, confident, mutually reinforcing. That such men could become open adversaries a decade later is not just strange; it is genuinely shocking.

What, then, went wrong? Part of the answer lies in the nature of Nigerian elite politics, where alliances are often forged by circumstance rather than conviction. Power rearranges loyalties. Ambition redraws friendships. And as the political terrain shifts, yesterday’s allies can quickly become today’s obstacles.

But there is a deeper, more consequential problem. When elite rivalries migrate into the realm of security narratives and intelligence insinuations, the damage goes far beyond the individuals involved. Allegations and counter-allegations—especially those touching on surveillance, coercion or misuse of state power—can corrode public confidence in institutions that should remain above partisan struggle.

This is why the current El-Rufai–Ribadu episode deserves sober national reflection, not cheering from partisan sidelines. Nigeria is a country where trust in institutions is already thin. Security agencies operate in an environment of suspicion, insurgency and widespread fear. When senior political actors publicly weaponise security claims—whether substantiated or not—they risk weakening the very structures holding the state together.

It is also important to situate this dispute within the broader northern political landscape. Both men command followings. Both are seen, rightly or wrongly, as voices of influence in the region’s political future. Their feud therefore does not remain personal for long; it reverberates across communities, factions and aspirations. In a region already grappling with insecurity, poverty and political fragmentation, elite infighting of this nature sends the wrong signal.

Faith, too, imposes restraint. Public officials who openly profess moral and religious values must recognise that conduct matters, not just intent. Politics may be a rough trade, but there are lines that, once crossed, are difficult to redraw. The public expects elders of the political class to rise above personal grievances when national stability is at stake.

None of this is to deny that grievances can be real, or that power can be abused. Whistleblowing has its place. Accountability is essential. But there is a difference between principled dissent and public escalation that inflames tension, invites speculation and drags sensitive institutions into political theatre. Mature democracies resolve such disputes through discreet inquiry and institutional processes, not media duels.

Perhaps the most sobering lesson here is how quickly reformist legacies can be overshadowed by personal wars. History is rarely kind to public figures who allow ambition to consume perspective. Nigerians may forget policy details, but they remember conduct—especially when it appears reckless or self-serving.

As the country edges closer to another election cycle, the temptation to settle scores early and loudly will grow. That is precisely why restraint is needed now. The question is not who wins this clash, but what Nigeria loses if it continues.

El-Rufai and Ribadu have both served the Nigerian state at critical moments. Their names are etched into recent political history. They owe the country—and perhaps themselves—something better than mutual ruin. Because when elephants fight, it is not the elephants that suffer most, but the grass beneath them.

Nigeria cannot afford to be that grass.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu is a journalist and syndicate writer based in Abuja.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially confirmed that it seized the international passport of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as part of an active investigation into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, a lecturer popularly known as Dadiyata.

A top security source disclosed to the press on Monday that the former governor is being probed for his alleged involvement in the kidnap and disappearance of Idris. According to the source, the security agency moved to prevent El-Rufai from leaving the country after he briefly returned to Nigeria, allegedly to orchestrate a swift exit.

“El-Rufai is fully aware that the DSS is investigating him for Dadiyata’s kidnap,” the source stated. He explained that the former governor had planned to visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) this week before “flying back to Cairo. Seizing his passport has shattered his plans.”

The investigation into the case has been reopened following months of intelligence gathering. The security source alleged that El-Rufai, who was the sitting governor of Kaduna State when Idris was abducted from his home in August 2019, may have had prior knowledge of the incident. The lecturer’s whereabouts remain unknown to date.

The probe has intensified following El-Rufai’s recent appearance on Arise Television, where he claimed that a “remorseful policeman” had confessed to being part of a team sent from Kano State to carry out the abduction. The former governor attempted to shift responsibility to former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, stating, “If anybody is to be asked about the disappearance of Dadiyata, it is the Kano state government.”

Security agencies, however, view this explanation with skepticism. “It would be interesting to know what a man who had been a minister and governor did with such key information,” the source said, questioning why El-Rufai failed to report the alleged confession to law enforcement at the time.

In a significant expansion of the probe, the DSS also stated that El-Rufai’s sons, Bello and Bashir, would be invited for questioning. Investigators pointed to old social media posts from 2019 and 2020 that suggest the family was aware of Dadiyata. In one post, Bashir El-Rufai criticized those asking “#WhereisDadiyata,” while Bello El-Rufai posted a cryptic message stating, “The things that we’ve done to protect the name are unsettling… Death to a coward and a traitor.”

The DSS clarified that its investigation is focused specifically on the alleged kidnapping, separate from financial corruption probes being conducted by the EFCC and ICPC regarding El-Rufai’s tenure as governor. An ICPC source noted that the former governor’s allies have been avoiding questioning regarding a separate probe into alleged misappropriation of funds during his administration.

The development has sparked widespread reactions, with human rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, as well as former Senator Shehu Sani, calling for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution.

By Uzair Adam 

Graduates of Kaduna Polytechnic have raised concerns over what they described as prolonged delays in their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the situation has left many of them stranded for years after graduation.

One of the affected graduates, Adamu Inuwa, disclosed the grievances in a Facebook post made on behalf of other aggrieved graduates, drawing public attention to what he described as years of silent suffering among Kaduna Polytechnic alumni awaiting mobilisation.

Inuwa said many graduates have waited for more than three years without being mobilised for the mandatory national service, a development he noted has gone beyond administrative delay and negatively affected lives and livelihoods. 

According to him, several qualified graduates have lost employment opportunities because they could not present NYSC discharge or exemption certificates, which are often required by employers.

“Many graduates of Kaduna Polytechnic have waited over three years without NYSC mobilisation. This is not just a delay on paper; it has destroyed real lives,” he wrote. 

He added that, despite successfully completing their studies, affected graduates have been left without explanations as they watch their peers from other institutions move forward.

The post further highlighted the emotional and financial toll the situation has taken on graduates and their families, noting that prolonged uncertainty has led to frustration, psychological distress and hardship. 

Inuwa stressed that the delay has continued to worsen, with no clear communication to students on the cause or timeline for resolution.

Appealing to authorities, he urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to intervene and investigate the recurring delay in mobilising Kaduna Polytechnic graduates. 

He said students deserve transparency, fairness, and the opportunity to serve the country and to progress in their lives.

“Students deserve answers. Students deserve fairness. Students deserve the chance to serve their country and move on with their lives,” he stated.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the management of Kaduna Polytechnic regarding the alleged complaints.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Depot Nigerian Army (NA), Zaria, has denied reports claiming a recruit, Ibrahim Nazifi, died during military training at the facility.

The Depot, in a statement released on Saturday, described the reports as “false” and inconsistent with its official records.

According to the Depot’s records, Ibrahim Nazifi, an indigene of Gombe State with application number 90RRI-GO-9017726, successfully passed the state recruitment screening in December 2025 and was shortlisted for training.

However, the Army stated that Nazifi “never reported to the Depot for commencement of his training” and was never admitted into the programme.

Consequently, the Depot clarified it has “no record of his presence, participation, injury or death during training.”

In light of the situation, the Depot has called on the Gombe State Government and other relevant authorities to launch an investigation to determine where, when, and how the alleged death occurred, emphasising that such an incident did not happen within its premises.

The statement acknowledged that military training is rigorous by design, meant to build endurance and combat readiness.

While admitting that demanding training can, in rare instances, lead to casualties, the Army stressed this is not due to negligence.

It highlighted that robust safety measures, medical coverage, and risk-mitigation procedures are in place to protect trainees.

The public was urged to disregard the reports and avoid spreading unverified information that could mislead the public and damage the Nigerian Army’s reputation.

The Depot NA Zaria reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of all recruits undergoing training.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Uba Sani has formally signed the 2026 appropriation bill of ₦985.9 billion into law, marking a significant commitment to infrastructure and grassroots development in Kaduna State.

The budget, titled “Consolidation of Transformation for Inclusive Development,” strongly prioritizes capital projects. A substantial ₦698.9 billion representing 70.9% of the total is allocated for capital expenditure aimed at infrastructure, economic expansion, and improved public services.

Recurrent expenditure, set at ₦287 billion (29.1% of the budget), will cover essential government operations and services.

A standout feature is the direct allocation of ₦100 million to each of the state’s wards for community driven projects, a move designed to ensure development reaches the grassroots level.

Governor Sani emphasized that the budget reflects his administration’s focus on inclusive growth and tangible improvements in the lives of Kaduna’s residents.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has approved sweeping improvements to teachers’ service conditions, including raising the retirement age to 65 years.

Effective August 1, 2025, the mandatory retirement age for teachers increases from 60 to 65, while the service years cap extends from 35 to 40.

The government also approved a new special allowance for teachers deployed to rural and hard-to-reach areas.

The move implements the federal Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, which acknowledges the pivotal role of educators in national development.

State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, stated the policy underscores Governor Sani’s dedication to worker welfare and educational revitalisation. He emphasised that retaining experienced teachers is crucial for quality education and improved learning outcomes.

A formal circular detailing the approval has been issued by the Governor’s Office and signed by the Permanent Secretary (Establishment), Mrs. Felicia I. Makama. The State Civil Service Commission will release further implementation guidelines.

Governor Sani expressed optimism that the reforms will enhance teacher motivation, improve retention rates, and significantly raise educational standards statewide.

By Maryam Shehu

Electricity remains one of the most essential public utilities in Nigeria–central to daily life, small-scale enterprises, and family survival. Yet for residents of Tudun Jukun, Madaci and other communities in Zaria, power has become a source of deepening hardship rather than progress.

For nearly three weeks, Tudun Jukun and several neighbouring communities have been plunged into a persistent blackout, with no meaningful announcement from the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) or any government authority. The outage comes on the heels of a controversial and devastating spike in electricity bills that many residents say they were never consulted about and cannot afford.

In October, KEDCO reportedly reclassified the community into Band A, one of the highest electricity tariff categories, despite Tudun Jukun’s socio-economic reality. The community, home to more than 2,000 households, has less than 40 per cent of residents considered middle class, while the majority struggle daily with food insecurity, unstable income, and rising costs of living. Many parents rely on public schools, yet still struggle to provide basic learning materials for their children.

Residents say KEDCO claimed to have engaged community elites before implementing the Band A classification. Shortly after, households were issued bills of ₦10,000—already burdensome for a community where many live below the poverty line.

The situation worsened dramatically in early November, and households received bills as high as ₦115,000, and in some houses, even higher. With residents unable to pay, the community was soon thrown into darkness. Since November 20, 2025, Tudun Jukun has remained without electricity, despite petitions and repeated attempts by concerned people to seek redress.

The power cut has devastated small and micro-businesses that rely on electricity to function. Welders, tailors, food vendors, shop owners, and artisans have seen their livelihoods crumble.

“My father is old and serves as a Ladan at a nearby mosque, so my family depends on me for everything,” said Ibrahim, a local welder. “I tried carrying my machines to Hayin Usama, where they had light, but now they also haven’t had power for two days. My clients are collecting their materials without waiting, and things are completely ruined for me.”

Women-led household businesses are also affected. “I used to make ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 daily from soyamilk and zobo,” said Hadiza, a mother and small-scale producer. “That money supported my household, but since the first week of this outage, I’ve had to learn how to survive without income.”

Across the community, youths, artisans, and family breadwinners now face worsening poverty, prolonged idleness, and rising frustration as no tangible explanation or action has been offered by authorities.

Residents are calling on KEDCO, the local government, and all responsible bodies to urgently address the issue. They argue that the prolonged outage and unexplained tariff hikes undermine their rights to dignity and economic participation as protected under Sections 14(2)(b) and 17(3)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which obligate the government to ensure the welfare of citizens and provide adequate facilities for their livelihood. They also reference the regulatory duties of electricity distribution companies under the Nigerian Electricity Act and NERC guidelines, which require fair billing, transparency, and continuous service except in cases of officially communicated faults or approved maintenance.

Residents are demanding a transparent review of the billing process, a resolution to the petitions already submitted, and direct engagement with the community’s leaders. They insist that electricity must be restored immediately, alongside compensation or remedial measures for what they describe as an unjust disruption of their rights and livelihoods.

Until then, Tudun Jukun remains in darkness, both literally and economically.

Maryam Shehu writes from Zaria and can be reached at maryamshehu6354@gmail.com.