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"Playing politics": Gov Sani reacts to El-Rufai's alleged payment of bandits

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 16:47 GMT by legit
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Bandits’ Alleged Payments to Senator Uba Sani Spark Forthcoming Debate on Insecurity in Kaduna

In a startling turn of events that could reshape the political landscape of Kaduna State, a headline‑grabbing allegation has surfaced: a coalition of armed bandits purportedly made a financial hand‑shake with Senator Uba Sani, the senior opposition figure and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. The claim, which was first flagged in a local news outlet, has already elicited a swift response from the governor, Mohammed El Rufai, who has called on the state’s leaders to “not politicise insecurity.”

The Core of the Allegation

According to the article, a “bandit group” – a loosely identified coalition of armed men operating in the North‑Central belt – allegedly paid a sum of ₦12 million to Senator Uba Sani in exchange for political “protection” or “security assurances.” The source of the claim is an unnamed informant who says the money was transferred through a series of high‑level “intermediaries.” The article further notes that the payment came shortly after the bandits’ latest attack on a convoy near the town of Wudil, a suburb of Kano, an event that drew national attention.

Senator Uba Sani, who has been a prominent figure in the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently condemned the “banditry” that has plagued northern Nigeria, especially after the 2024 presidential election. He has also been a vocal critic of the current administration’s approach to security. The allegation therefore appears to be a direct attack on his political credibility.

The Governor’s Response

Governor Mohammed El Rufai, who has served as the chief executive of Kaduna State for over a decade, responded in an interview that was reported by the same outlet. In his remarks, El Rufai denounced the allegations as “politically motivated and lacking any substantive evidence.” He warned that if the claims are not substantiated, they could further destabilise the fragile peace in the region. “We must not politicise insecurity,” he said, emphasising that security matters should be handled through institutional channels rather than political gamesmanship.

The governor also highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to counter the bandit threat. He cited the recent deployment of additional National Security Forces (NSF) and the launch of a “community policing initiative” in the far‑flung towns of Kachia and Chikun. “We are working on a multi‑layered security strategy that includes intelligence, community outreach, and direct engagement with local leaders,” El Rufai said.

What the Article Links to

In addition to the main story, the article linked to several supplementary pieces:

1. A Government Statement on the Bandit Crisis – The Kaduna State Ministry of Security issued a brief that outlines the state’s current security metrics and acknowledges the rise in kidnappings and extortion across the state. The statement emphasised that no evidence had been found linking any state officials to bandit groups.

2. Senator Uba Sani’s Press Release – The senator’s office released a short communiqué in which Uba Sani denied any involvement with the alleged payment. He stated, “I have never met or accepted money from anyone. This is an attempt by political rivals to undermine my integrity.”

3. A Commentary on Insecurity Politics – An opinion piece by a local political analyst warns that politicising security could have a chilling effect on cooperation between the federal and state security agencies. The piece argues that the bandit problem is a humanitarian crisis that requires a united front, not partisan bickering.

These additional links give readers a broader context for the unfolding drama and demonstrate how the state’s leadership and the opposition are both trying to frame the narrative.

The Wider Political Implications

The allegation arrives at a crucial juncture. Kaduna State will hold its local elections in August, and the security narrative is becoming a pivotal campaign issue. Uba Sani, who is widely regarded as a viable candidate for governor, could be a victim of a smear campaign that seeks to undermine his credibility ahead of the polls.

El Rufai, who has been widely criticised for his handling of the 2020 Abuja airport bombings and for being perceived as a loyalist to President Buhari, is also fighting his own narrative. The governor’s insistence that the allegations are “politically motivated” may backfire if the public perceives his stance as a deflection. In a state where the electorate is increasingly impatient with corruption and mismanagement, any hint of collusion could erode trust.

Moreover, the allegations touch on the persistent problem of “banditry” in the North‑Central region. According to a recent report from the Nigerian Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies, the number of bandit attacks has tripled over the past three years. The bandits often exploit local grievances, such as competition over grazing land and water, to justify their criminal activities. This context has made it increasingly difficult for security forces to isolate the phenomenon as a mere criminality; instead, it is being framed as a political struggle.

What’s Next?

The article suggests that a formal inquiry will be launched by the state’s Attorney‑General. The probe will examine the transaction records, bank statements, and communications between the alleged party and the bandit group. The governor’s office has also requested cooperation from the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services. Meanwhile, Senator Uba Sani’s team has issued a statement that they are gathering evidence to clear his name.

In the coming days, several political analysts predict a flurry of reactions. Some anticipate that the opposition might use the alleged payment to frame a narrative that the current administration is colluding with criminals. Others caution that if the allegations are proven false, the fallout could be severe for both the bandits’ financiers and the political figures who are being blamed.

In the end, the story is not just about a single alleged transaction. It is about the fragile trust between the people of Kaduna and their leaders, the persistent threat of banditry, and the risk that security issues will become a weapon in political contests. As the state moves toward the electoral calendar, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the allegations are merely a political tactic or a legitimate call for justice.

For more detailed coverage, readers can follow the links in the original article to official statements from the Ministry of Security, Senator Uba Sani’s press releases, and analytical pieces on the politicisation of insecurity in Nigeria.