PeakNews Online
The absence of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Kafanchan, Kaduna South Senatorial District, has raised eyebrows, fueling speculation about his strained relationship with the incumbent governor, Senator Uba Sani.
The rally, which was widely publicized, saw the defection of over 22 prominent politicians from opposition parties amid a large turnout. However, key political figures, including former Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, were notably absent.
Controversy Over the Rally’s Turnout
Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central in the 10th Senate, dismissed the rally as a gathering of a “rented crowd,” suggesting that the governor lacked genuine support from the people.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Usman mocked the event, challenging Governor Uba Sani to conduct an election in at least one ward to test his popularity.
“APC is like Papalolo in Kaduna State. If you truly knew you had the support of your rented crowd, why didn’t you allow the conduct of elections in at least one ward within the State?” he wrote.
He further criticized the governor, claiming that even he could not cast his vote at his polling unit during a previous election.
APC Defends Rally, Claims Strong Support
Despite these criticisms, the Kaduna State Government, in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa, described the rally as a demonstration of widespread confidence in Senator Uba Sani’s administration.
According to Musa, political stalwarts from all three senatorial districts of the state attended the event, reinforcing their commitment to the ruling party. He noted that among those who defected to the APC were serving and former federal legislators, state assembly members, former local government chairpersons, and leaders of opposition parties.
Implications for Kaduna Politics
The absence of El-Rufai, a major political figure in Kaduna and former ally of the governor, has added to speculations about a rift within the APC in the state. The event also highlights the ongoing political maneuvering ahead of future elections, as opposition figures continue to challenge the governor’s popularity.
As Kaduna politics heats up, the rally and the controversy surrounding it underscore the shifting alliances and power struggles that could shape the state’s political landscape in the coming months.
