{
  "id": 9832043,
  "title": "El-Rufai paying the price for his misgovernance — Shehu Sani",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/el-rufai-paying-the-price-for-his-misgovernance-shehu-sani",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T20:54:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/el-rufai-paying-the-price-for-his-misgovernance-shehu-sani/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, has criticized the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that it should be viewed in light of El-Rufai's governance record. Sani stated that he understands the difficulties of prolonged detention but maintains that El-Rufai is facing consequences for the decisions made during his time in office. He emphasized that power is temporary and that public officials should remember this at all times.\n\nSani also noted that people in positions of influence often lose connections when they are no longer in power, and that El-Rufai's loss of support during his detention is not uncommon. He expressed sympathy for those detained for extended periods, but argued that he cannot compare his own experience to El-Rufai's. The former senator alleged that the administration led by El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023 was marked by misgovernance, irresponsible leadership, and attempts to target and imprison opponents.\n\nRegarding comments made by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, about the treatment of people in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai's tenure, Sani argued that many commentators lacked firsthand knowledge of the region. He highlighted the ongoing insecurity issues in Southern and Central Kaduna, asserting that the state government failed to adequately support security agencies in addressing the violence. Sani questioned the effectiveness of the security measures implemented during El-Rufai's administration, stating that if any steps were taken, they would not have worsened the bloodshed as they did.\n\nOn the subject of El-Rufai's stance on combating banditry, Sani accused him of inconsistency, citing reports that Kaduna authorities had negotiated with bandits during his tenure. He specifically mentioned the case of Binyat, a journalist who was arrested after reporting on alleged payments to bandits by the Kaduna State Government. Sani also emphasized that the experiences of those who have held public office in the past serve as a reminder that such positions are temporary and that decisions made while in power can later attract scrutiny.",
  "summary": "Former Senator Shehu Sani says ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is paying the price for misgovernance and irresponsibility during his time in office. Read More: https://punchng.com/el-rufai-paying-the-price-for-his-misgovernance-shehu-sani/",
  "key_points": [
    "Shehu Sani criticizes El-Rufai's detention, linking it to his governance record.",
    "El-Rufai's tenure (2015-2023) marked by misgovernance, irresponsible leadership.",
    "Binyat journalist arrested for reporting on alleged payments to bandits during El-Rufai's rule."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "El-Rufai paying the price for his misgovernance — Shehu Sani",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/el-rufai-paying-the-price-for-his-misgovernance-shehu-sani-9833469",
        "published": "2026-09-25T21:04:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}