El-Rufai Lacked Knowledge of Kaduna, Governed with Ignorance – Ex-Labour Party Candidate Jonathan Asake
Story: written by springnewsng September 5,2025
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Kaduna State election, Mr. Jonathan Asake, has criticized ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of governing the state with ignorance and neglect.
Asake, who is also a former President of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), said Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when competent and knowledgeable leaders are elected to office. He noted that inclusive governance is the foundation for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Kaduna and across the country.
Speaking in Kaduna, Asake faulted comments made by El-Rufai during a recent interview on Channels Television, describing them as “detrimental to the unity and development of Kaduna State.”
According to him, El-Rufai’s remarks about Southern Kaduna revealed a lack of knowledge and disconnection from the region.
“Those who governed Kaduna before him know he had no understanding of Southern Kaduna. Throughout his time in office, he hardly visited the area or engaged with its stakeholders,” Asake stated.
He argued that El-Rufai’s leadership was marked by widespread insecurity, mass displacement, and unfair treatment of victims of violence. Asake alleged that communities under attack were subjected to curfews, while perpetrators of violence operated freely with little resistance.
“As governor, El-Rufai did nothing to assist victims of attacks. Instead, the same people who tried to defend their communities were arrested, while the attackers roamed freely,” he added.
On the population of Christians in Kaduna, Asake insisted that such sensitive issues should be addressed with facts rather than divisive rhetoric. He lamented that a former governor could make statements capable of fueling tension and confusion in a state he once governed.
“Any right-thinking person who listened to El-Rufai’s interview would feel sorry for Nigeria. Instead of leaders presenting factual analysis, they sow seeds of discord. It is unfortunate that such a person still aspires to lead Nigeria,” Asake said.
He urged Nigerians to scrutinize political coalitions carefully, warning that some politicians may be pursuing selfish ambitions under the guise of patriotism and freedom fighting.
