North’s Woes: Atiku, El-Rufai, Others Must Apologise To Region – Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has told northern politicians, particularly those who have held office in the last 20 years—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai—to apologise to the North over the region’s backwardness.

Sani stated that politicians from the North who have served in the past two decades failed the region and therefore lack the moral right to criticise the current administration simply because they have switched political camps.

Although Sani did not explicitly name those he believes should apologise, LEADERSHIP reports that both Atiku and El-Rufai—now prominent figures in the opposition—have held various national roles since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Since being denied a ministerial appointment, El-Rufai, a former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and immediate past governor of Kaduna State, has been openly critical of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He recently resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he now appears to be using as a platform to criticise his successor, Uba Sani.

However, during an interview with Trust TV, Governor Sani emphasised that criticism of government must be rooted in the public interest rather than driven by a naked quest for power.

“Every democracy must allow criticism, but it must be constructive and in the interest of the Nigerian people. That’s what we did as activists—not because we wanted power,” he said.

He acknowledged being part of the system himself and said the North’s problems are the result of decades of underdevelopment and neglect.

“I’ll say it here today—all of us. I was a senator in this country, and the problems of northern Nigeria didn’t start two years ago,” he stated. “We’re talking about development—or the lack of it—over the past 20 years.

“I chaired a banking committee, so I know the poverty index of northern Nigeria. I know how many people, as we speak, are financially excluded.”

The governor added that the region’s condition worsened due to systemic exclusion, despite the huge sums spent on social intervention during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“If you’re a former senator, former member of the House of Representatives, former governor, former minister, or even a former vice-president from northern Nigeria in the last 20 years, then you’re part of the problem. All of us are.”

Governor Sani urged political leaders to avoid misleading the public and expressed respect for those who criticise government with integrity and truth.

“That’s why I believe we must not deceive the people of northern Nigeria. We must not mislead them. That’s why I said earlier, I’ve no issue with people criticising the government—people like Dan Bello Galadanchi.

“All those individuals, I can tell you, have the moral right to criticise this government. But those who were part of the rot, now claiming to have repented—please, I think that’s wrong,” Sani concluded.

I Did Well for the North – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he contributed meaningfully to the development of northern Nigeria, both in public service and as a private citizen.

Atiku made the statement in response to Governor Sani’s call for northern leaders who served in government over the last two decades to apologise to the region. While acknowledging that much more needs to be done, Atiku defended his record.

Elected as Adamawa State Governor but appointed Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Atiku has since remained a key opposition figure.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku recalled that despite his limited powers as Vice President, his administration introduced significant policies and established institutions that positively impacted both North and South.

He cited the establishment of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as one of such contributions, aimed at ensuring access to free education for young Nigerians.

He explained that the scheme was designed to require states to provide counterpart funding to access federal grants—though, unfortunately, many states, including those in the North, failed to meet this obligation.

“The greatest thing you can give a child is education. That is the game changer,” he said.

Atiku also highlighted his personal investments in northern education, most notably the establishment of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which he described as his brainchild.

He noted that AUN has created jobs, improved education standards, and opened up Adamawa State to international attention, significantly boosting air traffic and visibility in the region.

He also referenced his “Feed and Read” intervention scheme, which rehabilitates Almajiri children through enrolment in AUN. The programme, which combines education with free meals, has reportedly won awards and earned international recognition.

In addition, Atiku pointed to his microfinance initiative for women, while agreeing that more can still be done to improve the North.

“If the governor says more could have been done, we agree—especially in primary healthcare and education. Some administrations have done well; others have not. Is there room for improvement? Yes. But he (Atiku) has done well for the North—as both a public servant and a private citizen,” the statement concluded.