WorldStage– Prominent political commentator and human rights activist, Mahdi Shehu, has provided a scathing breakdown regarding the ongoing political isolation and legal troubles confronting the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a viral video statement that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Shehu explained that the deliberate silence and refusal of influential Northern elders to intervene in El-Rufai’s current predicament is a direct consequence of the former governor’s past actions and perceived arrogance.
According to Shehu, the roots of El-Rufai’s isolation trace back to the heated campaign trail of the 2023 presidential elections, saying El-Rufai at the time fiercely defended the candidacy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and openly clashed with the northern establishment which expressed reservations about the political direction.
In a highly controversial broadcast during that period, El-Rufai boldly declared that “there were no elders in the North,” dismissing traditional power brokers and challenging them to contest and win elections if they truly held any regional authority.
Shehu noted that this dismissive attitude deeply insulted the region’s traditional and political leadership.
He revealed that at least one highly influential Northern elder, who possesses unfettered access to the Presidential Villa, would have ordinarily stepped in to mediate and secure El-Rufai’s relief from his ongoing legal battles.
However, due to El-Rufai’s previous insistence that the region lacked leadership, that influential figure, along with other prominent elders, has chosen to look the other way.
Beyond verbal insults, Shehu highlighted a history of administrative friction between El-Rufai and the Northern elite during his tenure as governor.
He cited instances where El-Rufai allegedly revoked long-standing land allocations belonging to prominent regional figures without following due process.
Compounding this, the former governor frequently disregarded court orders and dismantled investments, deeply alienating his natural support base.
Reflecting on the situation, Shehu emphasized that power is transient and cautioned political figures against disparaging others while in office.
He concluded that the political establishment El-Rufai once fiercely defended has ultimately turned against him, leaving him to face the legal and political consequences alone.
With Northern elders firmly resolving not to lift a finger, El-Rufai’s current plight serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of political loyalty in Nigeria.
