…Warns Nigerians not to repackage him for 2027
The Kaduna Leadership and Accountability Assembly, (KLAA), has urged Nigerians to reject any attempt to “rebrand” former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i ahead of the 2027 elections, accusing him of a legacy marked by violence, corruption, and religious intolerance.
In a statement issued yesterday, KLAA spokesperson, Hadiza Mohammed Umar, listed what the group described as “22 sins” of el-Rufa’i, insisting his record in power disqualified him from future leadership.
The civic group accused the former governor of direct responsibility for the 2015 clash with the Shi’ite movement that left nearly 300 dead, as well as introducing repressive laws targeting clerics and banning Eid-el-Maulid celebrations.
On governance, KLAA cited a Kaduna State House of Assembly report which indicted El-Rufai’s administration for mismanaging over ₦423 billion, urging federal authorities to investigate him for fraud and money laundering.
The group also faulted his mass sackings of teachers and civil servants, demolition of markets without compensation, imposition of high school fees, and crackdowns on trade unions.
KLAA recalled el-Rufai’s infamous “body bags” threat to foreign election observers in 2019, his divisive rhetoric – including claims that “Christians funded Boko Haram” – and his administration’s failure to prevent repeated massacres in Southern Kaduna, including the 2023 Runji killings of over 33 villagers.
“Our stand is clear: Nigeria must not forget or excuse these records. El-Rufa’i’s politics are toxic to peace, unity, and democracy. Any attempt to repackage him for 2027 is an attempt to return Nigerians to fear and intimidation”, the group declared.
