The Kaduna State Government has publicly denounced former governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a frustrated individual attempting to pull others down with him. The administration affirmed that Kaduna remains robust and successful, irrespective of the disruptive tactics employed by El-Rufai and his associates in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In light of claims from the ADC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) about possible electoral misconduct in the forthcoming bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru and Zaria, the government categorically denied any such intentions. The ADC, represented by Jafaru Sani, alleged that the state was planning to use thugs for intimidation and vote manipulation.
Information Commissioner Ahmed Maiyaki dismissed these accusations as mischievous fabrications, aimed at undermining an election that the coalition is unlikely to win. He asserted that democracy in Kaduna is thriving and that El-Rufai’s political theatrics would not hinder this progress.
Maiyaki rejected further allegations regarding the misallocation of local government funds and clarified that the responsibility for electoral integrity lies solely with INEC. He expressed readiness to take legal action against those spreading unfounded claims and reminded the public of past instances of violence linked to El-Rufai’s governance, contrasting it with the current administration’s peaceful approach.
