Ex-Kaduna Allies of El-Rufai Defend Departure from Camp

Former political associates of Nasir El-Rufai, the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, have publicly defended their decision to leave his political camp, rejecting accusations of betrayal. They emphasized their political independence and stated that El-Rufai had abandoned the political understanding that initially united them.

The group, known as Kaduna De-Initiative, included notable figures such as former Deputy Speaker Mukthar Isa Hazo and former SDP Chairman Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano. They expressed that their grievances stemmed from feelings of exclusion from decision-making processes, particularly after El-Rufai's re-election in 2019, and the perceived increasing influence of his family in governance.

The former allies clarified that they were not a small group seeking political relevance but had actively participated in elections and community mobilization across Kaduna State. They concluded that their relationship with El-Rufai deteriorated significantly after he left office, marking a decisive break in their political alignment.