As the race for Kaduna’s top job gradually comes into sharper focus ahead of the 2027 governorship election, attention has turned to two key...
As the race for Kaduna’s top job gradually comes into sharper focus ahead of the 2027 governorship election, attention has turned to two key political figures whose careers were significantly shaped by their service under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Both men, Bashir Saidu and Malam Jafaru Sani, have emerged as serious contenders in the evolving debate over succession within Kaduna’s political establishment.
While 2027 may still appear distant on the electoral calendar, within the inner recesses of the ruling party, consultations are intensifying and calculations are quietly underway. The critical question remains: Who among the El-Rufai loyalists is best positioned to sustain his legacy while responding to new political realities?
Bashir Saidu, a consummate technocrat, is widely respected for his tenure as Chief of Staff during the El-Rufai years. His role, though largely behind the scenes, was crucial to the administrative cohesion that underpinned much of the government’s reform agenda. Insiders describe him as meticulous, policy-driven, and a key figure in the budgetary and institutional reforms that gave Kaduna a reputation for fiscal discipline.
In contrast, Malam Jafaru Sani presents a profile defined more by frontline engagement than backroom strategy. As Commissioner for Education, Local Government, and later Environment, Sani became one of the most visible faces of the administration’s reform programme. His time in the education ministry, in particular, was marked by bold, if controversial initiatives, including the overhaul of teacher recruitment and school infrastructure. He earned praise for his hands-on style, as well as criticism from those who felt the reforms moved too fast for an already complex system.
While both men are seen as faithful disciples of the El-Rufai political doctrine, their appeal speaks to two distinct dimensions of the former governor’s legacy, technocratic efficiency on one hand, and reformist activism on the other.
But the coming political contest is not merely a referendum on loyalty or pedigree. Kaduna, like much of Nigeria, is undergoing a subtle but significant political transformation. The electorate is becoming more discerning; expectations have shifted. Party loyalty is no longer enough. In 2027, the question will be who can build consensus across Kaduna’s often polarised landscape while delivering on the promise of good governance?
The El-Rufai years redefined governance in Kaduna, introducing tough reforms in education, urban renewal, and public finance. Yet, his tenure was not without criticism. Accusations of aloofness, strained political communication, and perceived insensitivity to local nuances occasionally clouded his achievements. The task before his, would be successors is therefore twofold: to consolidate the gains of the past, while healing old wounds and expanding the coalition for progress.
The ruling party, for its part, faces an internal dilemma, balancing continuity with reinvention. Both Saidu and Sani have strengths. Both carry the burden of expectation. Ultimately, the outcome of this internal contest will not only shape the future of Kaduna State but may also redefine the power dynamics within Northern Nigeria’s broader political orbit.
In the weeks and months ahead, alliances will be tested, loyalties scrutinised, and ambitions laid bare. What is certain, however, is that the battle for Kaduna in 2027 will be more than a political contest; it will be a judgment on legacy, leadership, and the very soul of public service.
Malam Aminu Wase is a Political Analyst| And Advocate for Good Governance and Youth Inclusion.
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