The ongoing political rift between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Uba Sani, has taken another dramatic turn, this time playing out at a solemn family event.
Bashir El-Rufai, the outspoken son of the former governor, has set Nigerian social media ablaze with a post that many interpret as a direct jab at Governor Uba Sani. The controversy erupted following what observers described as an uncomfortable handshake between the two political heavyweights at the funeral prayers of Bashir’s grandmother.
The Viral Social Media Post
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Bashir appeared to suggest that Governor Sani was compelled to shake hands with his father during the funeral rites—an encounter that clearly didn’t sit well with the younger El-Rufai. While the specific content of the post has generated significant buzz, it’s the timing and context that have Nigerians talking.
The funeral of a family matriarch should have been a moment of unity and respect, but it instead became the latest battleground in the increasingly public feud between the El-Rufai political dynasty and the current Kaduna State administration.
Background: A Relationship Gone Sour
The relationship between Nasir El-Rufai and Uba Sani has deteriorated significantly since the latter took office as Kaduna State Governor. What many Nigerians initially viewed as a smooth political succession—with El-Rufai’s backing helping to secure Sani’s election—has devolved into one of Nigeria’s most talked-about political feuds.
Governor Uba Sani has publicly criticized his predecessor’s administration, particularly regarding the state’s debt profile and financial management. These criticisms have not been taken lightly by the El-Rufai camp, leading to a series of back-and-forth exchanges that have captivated political watchers across the country.
Nigerians React
As expected, Nigerian social media users have had a field day with Bashir’s post. Reactions have been sharply divided along political and regional lines:
Some users have criticized Bashir for what they see as disrespect during a period of mourning, arguing that family events should remain sacred regardless of political differences.
Others have defended the young El-Rufai, suggesting that Governor Sani’s presence at the funeral—given the ongoing feud—was itself a calculated political move that deserved to be called out.
Many Nigerians have simply expressed fatigue with the endless political drama, wondering when leaders will focus more on governance and less on personal vendettas.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the difficulty of separating personal relationships from political office. The El-Rufai/Uba Sani saga serves as a reminder that in Nigeria’s political landscape, yesterday’s allies can quickly become today’s adversaries.
For Kaduna State residents, the question remains whether this public feud is affecting governance and development in the state. While political theatre makes for entertaining social media content, the real-life implications for ordinary citizens cannot be ignored.
What’s Next?
As this story continues to develop, all eyes will be on both camps to see if there’s any possibility of reconciliation—or if the rift will continue to widen. For now, Bashir El-Rufai’s post has ensured that the conversation around Kaduna State politics remains front and center in Nigeria’s public discourse.
One thing is certain: in the age of social media, even funerals cannot escape the glare of political drama, and every gesture—including a handshake—can become a statement.
What do you think about this development? Was Bashir El-Rufai out of line, or was he justified in calling out what he saw? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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