El-Rufai’s Ordeal Tests Loyalty, Political Culture In North — Jafar Sani

A former national vice chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), North-West, Mallam Jafar Sani, has said the ongoing ordeal of former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, should compel Nigerians to reflect on the kind of political culture they are building for themselves and future generations.

Sani stated this in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, where he expressed concern over what he described as the increasingly transactional nature of political relationships in Nigeria.
According to him, leadership in the past was anchored on respect for elders, loyalty to mentors and accountability to constituents, but political relationships today are often measured by immediate gains rather than principle.

“Throughout our history, leadership was anchored on respect for elders, loyalty to mentors, and accountability to constituents. Today, too many political relationships have become transactional — measured by immediate gain rather than principle,” he said.

He added, “When power shines, crowds gather; when adversity comes, many disappear. This moment must remind us that loyalty rooted in conviction, not convenience, is what sustains our democracy.”
Sani acknowledged that opinions about El-Rufai may differ but maintained that the former governor’s impact on Nigeria’s public life could not be denied.

He described El-Rufai as “bold, energetic, and intellectually assertive,” noting that his contributions had left a lasting imprint on the country.

“It is therefore concerning to see limited support from some who once stood closest to him. Adversity is precisely when loyalty matters most,” he said.

The former ADC chieftain cautioned against allowing political differences to justify the abandonment of fairness and due process, stressing that justice must remain the foundation of the country’s response to political disagreements.

“Justice must remain the foundation of our response, regardless of personal ties or disagreements,” he said.

Addressing the controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s comments about Northern elders, Sani clarified that the former governor did not suggest that the North lacked elders, scholars, traditional rulers or experienced leaders.

“The North is blessed with men and women of immense wisdom,” he said.

According to him, the concern raised by El-Rufai was about the region’s development trajectory and should be viewed as a call for introspection rather than an attack on Northern elders.

“To compare our progress with societies once at similar levels is not an insult but a wake-up call. A doctor who diagnoses an illness is not attacking the patient,” he stated.

Sani said the North deserved a better quality of life, greater prosperity for its children and a stronger position in the world, adding that achieving these objectives required honest reflection and decisive action.

Sani called on elders, stakeholders, political leaders and people of conscience across the North and Nigeria to rise above temporary political calculations and insist on the rule of law, due process and justice.

He said if justice was done, it should lead to whatever outcome the law and courts determine, including the lawful release of El-Rufai where appropriate.

“This is not a demand for blind support, but for responsible engagement. Political power is temporary, but character endures. History will remember not how comfortable we were in good times, but what we did when one of our own faced difficulty,” he said.

Sani urged Nigerians not to become cynical because of perceived betrayals of loyalty, but to work towards building a political culture anchored in principles rather than patronage.

“We must not become cynical because some have betrayed loyalty. Instead, we must build a political culture anchored in principles, not patronage,” he said.

He further urged political leaders and citizens to remember that political fortunes can change, noting that individuals who are abandoned during difficult times could become those others seek out in the future.

“The hand pushed away today may be the hand we seek tomorrow,” he said.

Sani expressed optimism that El-Rufai would overcome his current challenges and emerge stronger, while calling on Nigerians to pray for justice, peace, and the country’s progress.

“Insha Allah, Mallam El-Rufai will overcome this travail and emerge stronger. Let us pray for justice, for peace, and for Nigeria. The night may be long, but it cannot prevent the coming of dawn,” he said.