El-Rufai’s Allies Reject Betrayal Allegations Against Bashir Saidu, Ja’afaru Sani

By Iliyasu Ephraim

Supporters of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai have rejected allegations that former Chief of Staff Bashir Saidu and former Commissioners Ja’afaru Sani Ibrahim betrayed the former governor over their political affiliations.

In a statement, Iliyasu Ephraim, popularly known as Jaban Kogo and Sarkin Yakin Bashir/Ja’afaru, described the allegations as an attempt by some political actors to rewrite history and tarnish the reputations of the two men.

Ephraim argued that the allegations lacked a clear political basis, pointing out that El-Rufai was not contesting for the presidency or the Kaduna State governorship.

He also stated that El-Rufai had not publicly directed Bashir Saidu or Ja’afaru Sani to support any particular candidate.

According to him, both men had demonstrated longstanding loyalty to the former governor through their service in government and their personal commitment to him.

He described Bashir Saidu as a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner of Finance who had played a significant role in grassroots political mobilisation.

He also praised Ja’afaru Sani, a former Commissioner of Education and Local Government, for his contributions to the development of Kaduna State during his eight years in office.

The statement further highlighted the arrest of both men during a period of legal challenges involving El-Rufai, claiming that they had remained supportive of the former governor despite pressure to testify against him.

Ephraim referenced an alleged statement by El-Rufai on national television in which the former governor reportedly acknowledged the loyalty of his close associates during the crisis.

The statement also criticised some political actors for allegedly using El-Rufai’s name to advance their personal political ambitions.

Ephraim claimed that some individuals who had previously distanced themselves from El-Rufai were now using his image and name in political campaigns.

He urged political stakeholders to put aside their differences and work towards unity, stressing that political success depended on cooperation and the ability to bring people together.

“Baba Bashir and Ja’afaru Sani did not betray Mallam El-Rufai. They protected his name and respected his position,” Ephraim said.

He called for an end to what he described as personal attacks against the two men, urging supporters to focus on reconciliation and the future of Kaduna politics.