Former Senator Shehu Sani has spoken out against Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, over his comments on alleged nepotism in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments.

The controversy began when Farooq Kperogi, a Nigerian professor based in the United States, accused Tinubu of favoring individuals from the South-West in key economic positions. He likened this to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was criticized for filling security positions predominantly with northerners.

El-Rufai, sharing Kperogi’s remarks on social media, commented, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” stressing the importance of inclusion over exclusion.

In response, Shehu Sani criticized El-Rufai for his silence during Buhari’s tenure when similar accusations of nepotism were made. Sani remarked that it was ironic for El-Rufai to voice concerns now, adding that Southern Kaduna faced marginalization during El-Rufai’s own leadership. According to Sani, Kaduna resembled an “apartheid state” for the eight years El-Rufai was in office.

Sani concluded by stating that while it’s valid to criticize President Tinubu for alleged lopsided appointments, El-Rufai lacks the credibility to make such accusations, given his track record.

This exchange has reignited debates on nepotism and regional bias in Nigerian politics, underscoring the need for fairness and balanced representation.