Former federal lawmaker has criticised former Kaduna State Governor, arguing that after decades of occupying influential public offices, he should now be embracing reflection, mentorship, and national service rather than political confrontation.
Speaking during an interview on, Sani traced El-Rufai’s long journey through positions of privilege within Nigeria’s political system. According to him, El-Rufai rose from serving as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises to becoming a federal minister for eight years and later governor of Kaduna State for another eight years before attaining the age of 65.
Sani maintained that such an extensive career in public service should inspire gratitude and humility rather than continuous political hostility. In his view, individuals who have benefited immensely from national opportunities ought to devote their post office years to charitable causes, mentorship of younger leaders, and contributions that strengthen democratic stability.
He argued that instead of transitioning into a statesmanlike role, El-Rufai appears driven by an entitlement mentality, a disposition suggesting that political relevance must be sustained through constant confrontation whenever one is outside the corridors of power. This, Sani implied, reflects an inability to disengage from authority and a persistent craving for influence long after leaving executive office.
Critics have also pointed to what they describe as an insatiable appetite for power and an arrogance often associated with prolonged political dominance. Rather than focusing on mentoring emerging leaders or contributing to institutional development, El-Rufai has remained deeply immersed in partisan battles, a posture many believe undermines democratic maturity and national cohesion.
Sani further emphasised that democracy in Nigeria came at a heavy human cost. Many activists and citizens endured imprisonment, physical injury, and even death during the struggle for democratic governance. According to him, numerous individuals who sacrificed their freedom and wellbeing for the nation have yet to receive recognition or compensation more than two decades after Nigeria’s return to civil rule.
Against this backdrop, he argued that political leaders who benefited from democratic opportunities bear a moral responsibility to demonstrate humility, respect for constituted authority, and commitment to national unity. Persistent attacks against institutions or leadership structures, he suggested, risk weakening public confidence in governance and eroding respect for democratic order.
Observers who share this perspective insist that leadership after power requires restraint, wisdom, and respect for national institutions. They contend that public figures who display disregard for constituted authority or elevate personal ambition above collective stability should be held accountable within the bounds of democratic law.
For many analysts, the debate surrounding El-Rufai is no longer merely about political disagreement but about the broader question of leadership culture in Nigeria, whether former office holders will evolve into elder statesmen who guide the next generation or remain perpetual combatants in the arena of power politics.
Ultimately, the controversy highlights a deeper national expectation that those privileged to serve at the highest levels must demonstrate humility, respect for the nation, and a commitment to building institutions stronger than personal ambition.
