Defence Minister Christopher Musa has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai of worsening divisions and insecurity in the state during his tenure. Speaking on Channels Television, Musa alleged that el-Rufai created divisions between northern and southern Kaduna, forcing some residents to relocate. The minister also accused the former governor of contributing to killings in southern Kaduna, paying bandits and demolishing residents’ homes over personal disputes.
Musa, however, said he does not regard el-Rufai as an enemy but as “misguided.” He praised Governor Uba Sani for what he described as efforts to restore unity and freedom across the state. Musa said politicians should promote national unity rather than exploit Nigeria’s ethnic and religious differences.
The allegations are the latest in a series of public clashes between the current administration and the former governor. El-Rufai, who is currently facing trial before the ICPC and the Department of State Services, has not responded to Musa’s allegations. The minister’s comments are likely to deepen the political divisions in Kaduna State.
This echoes the 2022 criticisms of El-Rufai’s administration by civil society groups, which also accused him of dividing communities. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a polarised state with deep ethnic and religious divisions.
The winners: Governor Uba Sani, who has been praised for his efforts; and the Defence Minister, who has positioned himself as a defender of national unity. The losers: El-Rufai, whose reputation has been further damaged; and the people of Kaduna, who continue to suffer the consequences of the divisions.
Bottom Line: Musa has accused El-Rufai of worsening Kaduna’s divisions. The allegations are serious. The question is whether they will be investigated or remain political rhetoric.