Politics

Probe El-Rufai’s Eight Years as Governor, Shehu Sani Urges EFCC

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 15th, 2026.

A fresh wave of political tension has emerged in Kaduna State as former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the eight-year administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Senate from 2015 to 2019, urged the anti-graft agency to scrutinize major projects, financial transactions, and policy decisions undertaken between 2015 and 2023, the period El-Rufai governed the state. According to him, transparency and accountability are essential pillars of democracy, and no public officeholder should be exempt from post-tenure review.
Call for Accountability
In his remarks, Sani emphasized that public funds must always be subject to oversight, regardless of political affiliations. He argued that probing past administrations is not about personal vendettas but about reinforcing public trust in governance.
“The EFCC should examine the financial records of the last administration to ensure that due process was followed in the award of contracts and management of state resources,” he reportedly stated. He added that such scrutiny would either clear lingering doubts or uncover areas requiring further legal action.
Sani’s demand reflects broader national conversations about accountability in public office. Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies have, in recent years, increased investigations into former governors and senior officials, signaling a growing expectation for financial transparency.
El-Rufai’s Tenure in Focus
During his two terms in office, El-Rufai pursued wide-ranging reforms in infrastructure, education, and civil service restructuring. His administration implemented controversial policies, including mass layoffs in the public sector and reforms in traditional institutions. While supporters credited him with modernizing Kaduna State’s infrastructure and improving internally generated revenue, critics questioned aspects of his governance style and financial management.
Large-scale projects such as urban renewal initiatives, road construction, and school rehabilitation programs formed a central part of his legacy. However, opposition figures have repeatedly raised concerns about borrowing levels and debt servicing during his tenure.
Political Undercurrents
The renewed call for investigation also underscores the long-standing political rivalry between Sani and El-Rufai. The two men, once members of the same political platform, later became vocal critics of each other. Their disagreements often played out publicly, reflecting broader divisions within Kaduna’s political landscape.
Observers note that while political rivalry may shape the tone of the debate, the substance of Sani’s appeal centers on institutional responsibility. By directing his call to the EFCC rather than making unilateral accusations, he frames the issue as one for legal review rather than political argument.
EFCC’s Role
The EFCC, established to combat economic and financial crimes, has the mandate to investigate allegations of corruption involving public officials. If the commission acts on Sani’s appeal, it would likely review procurement processes, loan agreements, and project expenditures carried out during the eight-year administration.
As of now, there has been no official announcement from the EFCC confirming any investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure. Meanwhile, supporters of the former governor maintain that his administration adhered to due process and delivered measurable development outcomes.
A Test of Democratic Institutions
The call to probe El-Rufai’s time in office highlights the broader issue of institutional accountability in Nigeria. Whether or not the EFCC initiates a formal inquiry, the debate signals a continued demand for transparency in governance.
For many citizens, the ultimate concern is not political rivalry but the responsible stewardship of public funds. As Nigeria continues to grapple with corruption challenges, cases such as this reinforce the importance of strong institutions capable of independently verifying the actions of those who have held power.