By Mr Zephaniah Luka It is indeed the season of high-tempo political developments across the country, with political activities ...
By Mr Zephaniah Luka
It is indeed the season of high-tempo political developments across the country, with political activities reaching an intense level as electioneering campaigns get underway. It is therefore understandable that some forms of political mischief, mudslinging, and character assassination may emerge, particularly from individuals who, as exemplified by Ibrahim Modibo Sanusi, appear determined to engage in reckless political attacks.
The unfolding political scenario in Kaduna State is even more concerning on account of the continued detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i and the sustained efforts by many of his loyalists to support calls for his release and to continue demonstrating their loyalty even while he remains in detention.
We have followed the unfolding political circumstances that eventually led to the detention of Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i. Despite his detention, many people, both loyalists and those without any direct political affiliation to him, have continued to advocate for his release, sincerely and truthfully. At the same time, many have maintained that the law must take its course, while others have expressed the view that the circumstances surrounding the detention have political dimensions beyond the strictly legal process.
Yet, even while he remains in detention, political reality dictates that experienced politicians should, as a matter of principle, understand and embrace democratic realities and political pragmatism. It is therefore unfair and irresponsible to portray evolving political realities and realignments as a mere ruse or selfish agenda. It is even more objectionable to label responsible and patriotic political leaders as Judases simply because they have made political choices that differ from those of their former allies.
Such portrayals amount to a poorly executed hatchet job, driven more by an attempt to create a narrative of betrayal than by an honest assessment of political developments.
There has never been any occasion where the trio of Alhaji Bashir Saidu, Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani, and Alhaji Abdul Kwari claimed that they made Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i politically. Given their level of political experience and understanding, it is highly unlikely that they would descend to such a level of political discourse.
On the contrary, available political records show that Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i played a significant role in the political development and advancement of these individuals. There has also been no established instance in which they arrogated to themselves the claim of having created or made Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i.
For the record, and based on their documented political activities, these individuals have consistently demonstrated their support for Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i and the governance philosophy associated with him. There is therefore no basis for attributing to Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani, Alhaji Abdul Kwari, or Alhaji Bashir Saidu the claim that they created or made Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i. Such a claim is false and appears to be a product of the writer’s imagination.
There are individuals whose political records demonstrate that they stood and laboured alongside Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i in pursuit of his vision and ideas for a better Nigeria, even when they did not have independent political structures of their own. If they now decide to leave the ADC for another political party, including the ruling party, that decision does not, by itself, amount to betrayal. Political realignment is an established feature of democratic politics, particularly where political actors believe that their interests, principles, or political objectives can be better pursued through a different platform.
The writer is either being mischievous or operating under the influence of an unprogressive political mentor or paymaster who appears determined to undermine internal democracy, even while questions may themselves be raised about the level of internal democracy within the political platform to which such criticism is directed.
On Kingmakers and Political Influence
In every political structure, there are individuals whose influence within the party and the wider political environment commands considerable respect. Their influence may enable them to shape political directions, alliances, and alignments without necessarily claiming the title of “kingmaker.”
Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani’s political dexterity and experience have contributed significantly to political discussions and realignments in Kaduna State. Yet, he has never needed to arrogate to himself the title of a kingmaker to demonstrate his relevance.
The same applies to other political actors. If these individuals were not politically influential, their departure from the ADC would hardly have generated the level of reaction and criticism that has followed. The intensity of the response itself demonstrates that their political movements have consequences within the political landscape.
On the Constitution and the Chief of Staff Position
The writer’s submission also appears to demonstrate an inadequate understanding of the Constitution and the principles of governance. There is, to the best of the argument presented, no established constitutional or legal provision cited to support the claim that a former federal employee who has been dismissed is automatically barred from subsequently being appointed as Chief of Staff.
Such a legal claim should therefore be supported by a specific constitutional provision, statute, regulation, or applicable judicial authority rather than by assertion.
The ADC Primaries and Political Marketability
Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani is not, and should not be portrayed as, a bad political product. The argument should instead focus on the process through which the ADC primary was conducted.
The inability of Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani to emerge from the ADC primary should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of political unmarketability. His supporters maintain that the primary process was affected by internal interests and irregularities that undermined the credibility of the exercise.
Whether he is politically marketable or otherwise is ultimately a matter that political developments and future electoral contests will determine. However, the substantial support he has consistently received remains an indication of his relevance within certain political constituencies.
He has not betrayed anyone merely by making a new political choice. If political actors such as Nyesom Wike can remain associated with the PDP while working with the governing APC, and if Bianca Ojukwu can serve within the federal government under the ruling party, then the decision of Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani and others to leave the ADC for another political platform should be understood within the broader context of political realignment.
The circumstances surrounding each of these cases are different, and no two political situations are exactly the same. Nevertheless, the broader principle remains that political realignment is not, in itself, proof of betrayal.
If the ADC had successfully addressed concerns surrounding transparency and internal democracy in the conduct of its primary, the political outcome might have been different. However, those who participated in the process have raised concerns about how the exercise was conducted, and those concerns should be addressed through evidence and constructive political engagement rather than personal attacks.
Let the mischief-makers therefore exercise caution and refrain from reckless political commentary. Attempts to rewrite history, malign political actors, or curry favour with individuals through personal attacks will not necessarily strengthen the credibility of the arguments being advanced.
Political differences are legitimate. Political realignment is part of democratic practice. Loyalty can be expressed in different ways, and political relationships can evolve without necessarily erasing the contributions and history shared by former allies.
Hon. Jafar Ibrahim Sani’s political journey should therefore be judged by his record, his actions, and the choices he makes within the democratic process not by labels manufactured for the purpose of a political hatchet job.
And to those who continue to portray every political departure as betrayal: beware of becoming an orphan in paradise. The perceived rewards of political patronage may not last forever, and no amount of political manoeuvring can permanently rewrite history.
Mr Zephaniah Luka
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