Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has clarified that he does not see former governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai as his mentor. Instead, he regards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi as the leaders who have influenced him the most.

El-Rufai had recently mentioned Sani in a television interview, claiming he took pride in guiding others, including Sani, to positions of influence.

However, speaking to TVC, Sani said he would not engage in personal discussions about such claims.

He explained, “I don’t see it necessary to respond to that comment. My focus is on serving the people of Kaduna, and I have no time for personal back-and-forth.”

Sani shared that his political path was shaped by President Tinubu, whom he met in 1994 at the house of Beko Ransom Kuti, and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, with whom he stayed during Nigeria’s struggle era. Both remain central to his leadership inspiration.

The governor emphasized that his attention is on governance rather than political arguments.

He said, “I don’t comment on what others say about me. My attention is on Kaduna, and I stay focused on improving the state.”

Sani has a history with El-Rufai, having served as his political adviser from 2015 to 2019. With El-Rufai’s backing, he also won the Kaduna Central senatorial seat in 2019.