Kaduna Government Withholds Federal Allocations From 23 LGAs for Months, Defying Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling




Kaduna State’s 23 local government councils have reportedly gone over three months without receiving their constitutionally mandated federal allocations, despite a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to local governments. Sources told SaharaReporters that since Governor Uba Sani assumed office in 2023, councils have only received N10 million monthly for limited expenses, apart from salaries. Officials say the withheld funds have crippled basic administration, including payment of casual staff, security response, logistics, and community support. Some councils—particularly in insecurity-prone areas like Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kachia, and Kagarko—are unable to conduct essential operations.

Local government insiders allege that media coverage has been muted due to political pressure and accuse the Ministry for Local Governments of diverting funds into private accounts. The financial crisis has reignited tensions between Governor Uba Sani and former governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently accused Sani of mismanaging resources and diverting public funds. However, a Kaduna State House of Assembly report also indicts El-Rufai’s own administration for large-scale financial mismanagement, irregular contracts, and misuse of both domestic and foreign loans between 2015 and 2023. Councils now await the restoration of federal allocations to function according to the Supreme Court’s directive.

While commending Hon. Bello El-Rufai for condemning the cruel & unusual penalty slammed on MAZI NNAMDI KANU, let it be clear that #MNK is not a terrorist simply because the court labeled him as one. Mandela was also labeled a terrorist but he triumphed. MNK shall also triumph.

“Beyond recruitment, we urgently need to increase the basic salary and welfare of police officers and soldiers, and we must find the money to do so” — Hon. Bello El-Rufai (Kaduna North)

WATCH: El-Rufai’s Son Condemns Disparities In Terrorism Sentencing, Questions Why Boko Haram Convict Got 20 Years While Nnamdi Kanu Faces Life

El-Rufai Obtains ADC Membership Card In Kaduna

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after collecting his membership card in Kaduna. He said the ADC offers Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling APC, which he criticised for incompetence. El-Rufai urged youths to register with the party ahead of the 2027 elections. His move comes just three days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the ADC. The party, now led by interim chairman David Mark and secretary Rauf Aregbesola, is positioning itself as the main coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.

"Let heads roll, save Nigeria"- Okon of Lagos urges President Tinubu to prosecute Sheikh Gumi.

Popular Nollywood actor, Imeh Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon of Lagos, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prosecute Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi for terrorism.

Gumi has been known to push for negotiation with terrorists in their hide outs and also defending their actions.

Speaking via an open letter addressed to the president, Umoh asserted that Gumi is a well known banditry apologist and should be prosecuted if found guilty of terrorism.

Lamenting on the situation in the country, Umoh insisted that no responsible government negotiates with terrorists.

The actor wrote on Instagram: “Sheikh Gumi is a proven banditry apologist. It’s visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that there is a huge deficiency, if not a total lack of courage to arrest, investigate and subsequently prosecute and convict Sheikh Gumi if found culpable for terrorism.

“According to El-Rufai, the only repentant terrorist is a dead one and I totally agree. Keel them all! Save Nigeria!!

“No responsible government negotiates with terrorists!!!”

He added: “Yes there may be political pressures from sacred cows, but at this point does it matter? Let sacred cows be touched. Let heads roll. That’s not too much ado for our roads and farmlands to be safe again, our communities livable, as well as our churches and sacred worship centers, safe like before

“Our country is near gone. Let’s save what’s remaining of this already existing ruins and restore her back to glory. Mr. President Sir, I know you can. I hope you will.”

Wike vs Soldiers: Ordinary President hails Lieutenant Yerima.

The host of Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television programme, Ahmed Isah, popularly known as “Ordinary President,” has hailed Naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, for his conduct during a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and FCT Administration officials.

He spoke while calling on Wike or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologize over the Minister’s abusive language on Lt. Yerima.

Speaking on the Brekete Family programme on Wednesday, Ordinary President said: “Nigerians, in case we are deceiving ourselves, it’s not democracy that is holding this country [Nigeria] together.

“If the military decides to remove its hands from the matter that concerns this country, all of us are finished. I am not supporting the military to intimidate people, and I will not support the military being disrespected.

“What happened yesterday, that soldier that stood there [Lt. Yerima was representing Tinubu and Nigerians, and Wike disrespected him, and the people around Wike cannot advise him.

“I was expecting Wike to tender an apology since yesterday, and up till now, he has not apologized. This Lieutenant Yerima is the true reflection of the discipline our Nigerian military has. Let’s appreciate him.

“He respectfully neutralized the situation. Lieutenant Yerima, we are proud of you; you made the military proud and Nigerians proud. We are waiting for Wike to tender an unreserved apology.

“If Wike doesn’t apologize, Tinubu must apologize on his behave. We demand that you apologize. This is getting too much; people around him should advise him. Go and see El-Rufai, where is El-Rufai today?”

Obasanjo Finally Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as His Successor in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on why he refused to choose former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor when he was leaving office in 2007.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that El-Rufai was one of his trusted aides during his administration.

However, he turned down the suggestion to make him president because he believed the former FCT Minister was “not yet mature enough” to handle Nigeria’s leadership at the time.

According to Obasanjo, the idea was pushed to him towards the end of his administration, but he refused to yield, insisting that El-Rufai still had a lot to learn before being ready for such responsibility.

The former president made the revelation while reacting to a speech by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Chidoka had recalled how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34; a meeting that later led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Interrupting Chidoka’s remarks, Obasanjo said with a smile, “Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Turning to Chidoka, he added jokingly, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo continued, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he asked why I didn’t agree, and I told him El-Rufai needed to mature. Many years later, after seeing his performance, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct — El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

Olubadan Ladoja Bows Out of Politics, Declares Himself Leader for All

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has announced his complete withdrawal from partisan politics, pledging to serve as a father to all.

The declaration came on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during a visit to his Ibadan palace by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, alongside ex-Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Liyel Imoke, among other dignitaries.

Atiku, who missed the coronation four days earlier due to “protocol issues,” tendered an apology, clarifying it was not an act of disregard.

Responding, Oba Ladoja left no room for doubt:
“I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. I belong to everybody now.”

The monarch emphasized that while he shared political history with many of his guests, his new role demands neutrality, justice, and fairness. He vowed to rule with equity and called for support in serving Ibadan, Oyo State, and beyond.

The meeting ended warmly, marking a new chapter in Oba Ladoja’s journey—from politician to revered traditional ruler.

How N2bn loan allegation stopped Buhari from appointing Audu Ogbeh SGF – El-Rufai.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday night revealed how a false bank-loan allegation derailed former President Muhammadu Buhari’s initial plan to appoint Chief Audu Ogbeh as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

Speaking during a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, El-Rufai narrated a behind-the-scenes encounter shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2015 presidential election.

According to him, a close friend who had worked for the party’s victory sought his help to secure the SGF position.

El-Rufai said he approached Buhari, then president-elect, who explained that he intended to pick a Christian from the Middle Belt for the top job and asked El-Rufai to relay the decision.

El-Rufai recounted that Buhari later confided he had settled on Audu Ogbeh, describing him as his only choice for the post.

However, the plan changed when some individuals around the president allegedly claimed that Ogbeh owed banks as much as N2 billion from his agricultural ventures and would be distracted by personal debts.

“The next time the president called me, he said some things had come up and he was appointing someone else as SGF,” El-Rufai told the audience.

“After the announcement, I found out he had been told Chief Ogbeh owed a huge loan and would focus on repaying it instead of the job.

El-Rufai Warns Tinubu Could Become ‘Nigeria’s Paul Biya’

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has warned that President Bola Tinubu risks becoming “Nigeria’s Paul Biya” if not voted out in the 2027 elections. Hosting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai accused the APC-led government of centralizing power, undermining federalism, and posing a greater threat to democracy than past military regimes.

He described Tinubu’s administration as “a disgrace to democratic ideals,” cautioning that failure to act decisively in 2027 could entrench authoritarian rule similar to Biya’s decades-long stay in power in Cameroon.

El-Rufai: Tinubu Govt Worse Than Military Regimes

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a bigger threat to democracy than past military governments. Speaking during a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai labeled the government “a disgrace to the principles of democracy,” accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and centralizing power at the expense of federalism.

He compared Tinubu to Cameroon’s Paul Biya and warned that unless stopped in 2027, Tinubu could entrench himself in power. El-Rufai added that even past military leaders, including Buhari, were more tolerant of opposition than the current administration.

Atiku commended El-Rufai’s boldness and urged opposition leaders to unite in order to democratically unseat Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

Presidency: Tinubu Won’t Extend Tenure Beyond 2031

The Presidency has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that President Bola Tinubu plans to extend his stay in power beyond 2031. El-Rufai had accused the Tinubu administration of drifting toward authoritarianism, likening him to Cameroon’s long-serving leader Paul Biya, and warned of threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

In response, Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless and absurd,” insisting Tinubu remains committed to democracy and will leave office by May 28, 2031, if re-elected in 2027. Onanuga said El-Rufai’s remarks reflect frustration over his failed bid to rally opposition against Tinubu, and suggested he might need “professional counselling.”

You Need Help’ Presidency Attacks El-Rufai Over Tinubu ‘Life President Claim.

The presidency has criticised the submission by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a desperate act of a man threatened by the rising political profile of President Bola Tinubu.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, submitted that El-Rufai is hallucinating and needs help.

Onanuga’s submission comes in direct response to the former Governor’s claim that President Tinubu may become president for life if Nigerians fail to unite and remove him in 2027.

However, the presidential media aide, in a statement released late on Sunday, said El-Rufai’s declaration is another failed attempt to remove Tinubu from power.

He said Northerners and indeed Nigerians have expressed their love and support for Tinubu, in contrast to what El-Rufai and his associates want the public to believe that the region has abandoned Tinubu.

Onanuga added that Tinubu is a committed democrat who has no intention of remaining in office beyond the constitutionally allowed two years.

He dismissed El-Rufai’s speculation that Tinubu may want to become a life president as unfounded and baseless.

“Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appears to need some help, especially given his recent unfounded claims and speculations about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is increasingly evident that El-Rufai has recognised the futility of attempts by his associates in his new party to prevent President Tinubu’s likely re-election in 2027. This plot is proving to be unattainable, a mission doomed to fail.

“After reports of the grand reception President Tinubu received in Kaduna last Friday, El-Rufai was clearly surprised by the depth of support the President continues to enjoy in the North. This stands in stark contrast to his narrative that the region has abandoned the President.

Malam Nasir EL-Rufai is the master of ambivalence. Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it.

Tinubu Govt Only Favours Those With Yoruba-Sounding Names, Others Treated Like Strangers —El-Rufai | Sahara Reporters

BREAKING: El-Rufai Petitions Police Service Commission, Demands Probe Into Kaduna Police Over Invitation For Questioning

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), accusing the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna and some officers of “unprofessional conduct, abuse of office, and serial violations of the Police Act 2020 and regulations.”

In a petition dated September 8, 2025, and addressed to the PSC Chairman, El-Rufai demanded an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into what he described as unlawful and unconstitutional actions by the Kaduna police authorities.

“I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former governor of Kaduna State to lodge this complaint and demand an investigation. This will assist the Commission in discharging its constitutional functions under the law,” El-Rufai stated.

He noted that his concerns went beyond personal grievances, stressing that his petition was about protecting the future of policing in Nigeria.

“I submit this petition with a profound sense of responsibility as a citizen who has served at national and subnational levels. My motivation is concern for the Nigerian Police Force, which remains the primary law enforcement institution despite its challenges,” he added.

The former governor urged the PSC to act decisively in enforcing accountability and discipline within the Force, insisting that public trust in the police depends on strict adherence to professionalism and ethics.

The development comes days after the Kaduna State Police Command invited El-Rufai and several members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

A letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, had directed the ADC chairman in Kaduna to produce El-Rufai and six others at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8.

Those invited include:

Bashir Sa’idu

Jafaru Sani

Ubaidullah Mohammed (“30”)

Nasiru Maikano

Aminu Abita

Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (“Mikiya”)

Last week, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives sealed off the ADC state office in Kaduna, just hours before a scheduled solidarity visit by the party’s Northwest leadership. The office closure followed an attack on ADC members by suspected political thugs a week earlier.

Crowds in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Saturday staged a protest against former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for bringing ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Odenigbo Lecture Series organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri.
~@DailyPostNGR

Sam Amadi: “Nigeria Needs Fresh Leaders, Not Recycled Politicians”

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has sparked conversations about the future of Nigeria’s politics after questioning the recycling of familiar political figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a post on his official X account, Amadi asked:

“Can someone tell me what I would gain by changing Tinubu for Amaechi, Hope for Araraume, Malami for Gbaja, El-Rufai for Tinubu or Shettima? What is the point of the change? Why can we not have a different politics with the likes of Peter Obi, Adesina, Shehu Sani, Aisha etc? Why?”


According to him, merely rotating the same old leaders does not represent real change but only extends the cycle that has hindered Nigeria’s progress.

Amadi stressed that the country needs a new political direction driven by fresh voices and visionary leadership, not individuals who have already been in power without delivering transformative results.

He pointed to leaders like Peter Obi, Akinwumi Adesina, Shehu Sani, and Aisha Yesufu as examples of figures who could inject new energy and ideas into governance.

Until Nigeria breaks away from its entrenched political structures, Amadi warned, the nation may remain trapped in a cycle of disappointment.