El-Rufai: Muslim Group Denies Backing Musa, Seeks Clarification

The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association (SOKAMUDA) has dissociated itself from a reported position backing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), over his recent comments concerning former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

SOKAMUDA, in a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary, Alhaji Ahmad Mairiga Yandeh, on Monday, said it was neither consulted nor represented in the position attributed to a group of Muslims and Christians backing the Defence Minister.

The association was reacting to an online publication titled: “El-Rufai: Muslims-Christian Group Backs Defence Minister Musa,” which it said created the impression that the reported position represented Muslims generally, Muslims in Kaduna State or the Muslim Ummah of Southern Kaduna.

It, however, said it recognised General Musa as “a distinguished son of Southern Kaduna and a senior Nigerian military officer,” stressing that respect for an individual did not amount to unquestioning endorsement of every statement or action attributed to him.

The association said its intervention was guided by its commitment to peace, mutual respect, responsible leadership and harmonious relations among the diverse communities in Kaduna State.

On the meeting in Kafanchan, SOKAMUDA said representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the association met on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the instance of the Defence Minister.

According to the association, the meeting was convened to discuss the controversy arising from Musa’s recent interview with Channels Television and explore ways of managing the situation in the interest of peace, understanding and responsible public discourse.

It said its representatives communicated the association’s position through the appropriate channel to the Minister’s representatives.

“At no point during that engagement did SOKAMUDA endorse or justify the statements attributed to the Minister concerning the former Governor of Kaduna State,” the association said.

On the controversy surrounding the Minister’s comments, the association said its intervention was not intended to vilify, condemn or undermine Musa but to encourage reconciliation and de-escalation.

It urged the minister to consider engaging directly with Channels Television to clarify the context of the interview and, where appropriate, express regret or apologise to those who may have felt offended, particularly the people of Kaduna State and the family of the former governor.

SOKAMUDA said such a step would demonstrate humility, maturity and commitment to peace rather than diminish the minister’s stature.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and constructive engagement among Muslims, Christians and other communities in Southern Kaduna and Kaduna State.

It urged the public, media organisations and other stakeholders to rely on verified information and avoid statements capable of creating unnecessary tension or division.