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The Kaduna State Government has accused former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of attempting to destabilize the state through provocation, manipulation, and incitement, warning that any effort to drag the state back into violence would not be tolerated.
In a statement released on Monday, September 1, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, described El-Rufai’s recent actions as a direct threat to the state’s peace and development.
Dr. Shuaibu added that the former governor had stepped up his activities following the defeat of his political allies in the August 16 by-elections.
“His rejected candidates and the incoherent coalition he assembled were resoundingly defeated in free, fair, and transparent elections that affirmed the people’s trust in the APC’s leadership and Senator Uba Sani’s progressive governance,” Shuaibu said.
“Rather than accept this democratic outcome with dignity, El-Rufai has chosen to respond with sabotage.”
The government claimed that on Saturday, August 30, El-Rufai held an unlawful and disorderly gathering of his political supporters, which escalated into violence, including gunfire that put innocent lives at risk.
“El-Rufai attempted to shift blame by falsely accusing the government of sponsoring thugs to disrupt the meeting.
“The question must be asked: why would a governor who has just won the hearts of the people through credible elections need to disrupt a gathering of losers?
“This narrative is not only insulting to the intelligence of Kaduna residents, but also exposes El-Rufai’s determination to return Kaduna to the orgy of violence and fear that defined his tenure,” he added.
The commissioner also denounced El-Rufai’s remarks on a television program, in which he claimed that both the federal and state governments were ‘paying off bandits’ to maintain peace.
“These are not mere words: they are calculated, malicious lies designed to undermine security efforts, incite public anger, and legitimise criminality,” Shuaibu said.
“On the contrary, both the federal and Kaduna state governments have repeatedly urged Nigerians never to pay ransom and have committed to pursuing justice through coordinated military and community engagement strategies.”
He stated that the security improvements achieved under Governor Uba Sani’s administration were evident in previously volatile areas, including Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and Igabi.
He added that notorious bandit leaders such as Boderi, Baleri, and Sani Yellow had been neutralized, and several Ansaru operatives had been apprehended.
“For a former governor, who once occupied the highest office in the state, to publicly deny these hard-won victories, and in doing so insult the memory of brave officers who died in the line of duty, is beyond shameful,” he said.
The government contrasted El-Rufai’s eight-year administration, which it described as characterized by ‘division and intimidation,’ with Governor Sani’s nearly two years in office, emphasizing a focus on inclusion, dialogue, and development.
The statement highlighted accomplishments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, noting that Kaduna now ranks seventh nationally in WAEC results, millions of residents have been brought into the formal financial system, and healthcare facilities across the 23 local government areas have been upgraded.
The commissioner cautioned El-Rufai against actions that could undermine the state’s stability, adding that security agencies remain on high alert.
“The Kaduna State Government will not allow this. This administration will do whatever it takes, within the bounds of the law, to preserve the peace and stability that our people have worked so hard to rebuild,” he said.
“No individual, no matter how highly placed or previously powerful, will be allowed to destabilise the state. The peace of Kaduna State is non-negotiable.”
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