El-Rufai’s ordeal exposes loyalty crisis among Northern leaders — ADC chieftain

Former North-West National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Mallam Jafar Ibrahim Sani, has questioned the loyalty of some Northern political leaders over what he described as their limited support for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, amid his current ordeal.

Sani said the situation had exposed what he described as an increasingly transactional political culture in which relationships thrive when benefits are available but weaken when adversity sets in.

He made the remarks in a statement titled, “El-Rufai, The North, Our Elders and the Test of Loyalty.”

According to the ADC chieftain, political differences should not prevent Northern elders and leaders from demanding fairness, justice and due process in matters involving the former governor.

While acknowledging that opinions about El-Rufai differ, Sani argued that his influence on Nigeria’s public and political life could not be ignored.

“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.

Sani maintained that the controversy surrounding El-Rufai should force political leaders to reflect on the kind of relationships and political culture being passed to future generations.

He urged Northern elders, political stakeholders and other influential figures to rise above personal and partisan disagreements and insist that the law be allowed to take its course.

“If justice is done, it should lead to whatever outcome the law and courts determine, including the lawful release of Mallam El-Rufai where appropriate,” he said.

The former ADC official stressed that his appeal was not for preferential treatment for the former Kaduna governor, but for adherence to due process irrespective of political affiliations or personal relationships.

Sani also addressed remarks previously attributed to El-Rufai concerning Northern elders, saying the former governor was not suggesting that the region lacked respected elders, scholars, traditional rulers or experienced leaders.

He argued instead that the North must confront deeper questions about development, leadership and the quality of life available to its people.

According to him, the region deserves greater prosperity for its children and a stronger place in the world, but achieving that would require honest reflection, fairness and collective action from its leaders.