El-Rufai's former aides assert political independence

Former commissioners, political appointees, and grassroots associates of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have publicly declared their political independence, stating they are partners, not property. This statement, signed by Hon. Mukthar Isa Hazo and Hon. Nasiru Abdullahi Maikano, emphasizes their right to determine their political futures.

The group, which includes Ja’afaru Sani, Dr. Shehu Usman Makarfi, Bashir Saidu, and Senator Abdu Kwari, expressed that their support for El-Rufai was based on a political project rather than a surrender of their identities. They noted that their relationship with El-Rufai soured after his 2019 re-election, feeling marginalized as his family gained influence.

Tensions escalated after El-Rufai backed Isa Ashiru over their preferred candidate, Ja’afaru Sani, in the ADC governorship primary, where Ashiru won with 86,113 votes to Sani's 29,580. The group alleged that El-Rufai's support for Ashiru was tied to retaining influence over a potential ADC administration, although they acknowledged that these claims were not formally documented.