Bello El-Rufai speaks on ‘reconciling his father, Uba Sani’

Hon. Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, the member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has said it is not his duty to reconcile Governor Uba Sani and his father, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as his primary focus remains serving his constituents.

Bello, who was previously an aide to Uba Sani in the Senate, spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored on Saturday. He said while he admires both men—his father as a role model and the governor as his former boss—his priority is delivering quality representation.

He, however, alleged that some people enjoy the political feud between the two, likening it to the way Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra are often seen fighting in movies.

The rift between Uba Sani and Nasir El-Rufai deepened following allegations that the former governor’s administration left behind a huge debt burden.

Governor Sani claimed that the state struggled to pay workers’ salaries due to the financial situation.

Subsequently, the Kaduna State House of Assembly launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the borrowing and disbursement of N423 billion during El-Rufai’s tenure. 

Some former officials were reportedly questioned, while others were remanded or went into hiding.

Bello El-Rufai, however, distanced himself from the controversy, saying he was unsure if the reported conflict between the two leaders was real.

“None of them has spoken to me about it,” he said.

“Even if a person is my enemy, I do not want to see him fighting with another enemy of mine. I want peace.”

He added that while misunderstandings can arise in relationships, they should not lead to permanent hostility.

The lawmaker noted that while probes into past administrations are normal, they should not be driven by political motives.

“Investigations are not crime, but if they are done with ulterior motives, Almighty Allah will judge in favor of the victimised,” he said.

Asked if he would mediate between his father and Governor Sani, Bello dismissed the idea, saying, “By Allah, it is not my responsibility. My duty is to serve the people of Kaduna North.”

However, he expressed hope that peace could be restored between the two, adding, “I like peace and keeping trust. If someone offends me, we will have an argument, but not in public. That is who I am.”

Bello also addressed speculations about his father’s political future, stating that they had never discussed any ambition for the presidency, even during their time in the United States.

On his role as a lawmaker, he acknowledged the growing demands from people beyond his constituency, saying, “Once people ask me for help, I cannot sleep until I do something about it. That’s how I am.”