Pantami Should Consolidate Reconciliation Efforts Between El-Rufai and Uba Sani
By Umar U. Duguri
Political disagreements are inevitable, but when tensions between influential leaders threaten party unity and public confidence, reconciliation becomes a responsibility that transcends personal interests.
The strained relationship between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, presents an opportunity for political stakeholders to demonstrate that differences can be resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged confrontation.
Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, should build on any reconciliation efforts he has initiated to bridge the divide between the two leaders and promote peaceful coexistence.
If sustained, such an intervention could help reduce political tensions, strengthen democratic engagement and refocus attention on the interests of Kaduna State.
Beyond Political Rivalry
The relationship between a former governor and his successor can be complicated by differing expectations, political interests and approaches to governance. However, succession should not automatically translate into hostility, just as political disagreements should not become permanent divisions.
Governor Uba Sani has a responsibility to exercise his mandate independently, while El-Rufai retains the right to participate in political discourse. Both positions can coexist without unnecessary antagonism.
The challenge is to establish a relationship in which disagreements are addressed constructively, legitimate concerns are heard and political differences do not undermine governance.
Pantami's Role in Building Bridges
Given his national profile and political experience, Pantami could contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at restoring communication and mutual understanding between the two camps.
If he has already initiated such engagement, the priority should be to sustain the process through discreet consultations, honest communication and a willingness to address the substantive issues separating the parties.
Successful reconciliation requires more than public appearances or symbolic gestures. It demands sincerity, patience and a commitment by both leaders to prevent personal differences from escalating into destructive political rivalry.
Pantami's contribution should therefore be measured by the progress made towards genuine understanding, not merely by the visibility of his intervention.
Kaduna's Interest Must Come First
The people of Kaduna State should remain the ultimate beneficiaries of any reconciliation effort. Their priorities include security, education, healthcare, employment and economic development—not prolonged disputes among political leaders.
Although reconciliation alone cannot resolve the state's challenges, a less hostile political environment could create greater opportunities for constructive engagement and responsible governance.
Importantly, reconciliation must not be mistaken for political surrender or an attempt to suppress legitimate criticism. It should preserve accountability, respect the independence of the sitting governor and allow former officeholders to contribute constructively without unnecessary confrontation.
A Lesson for Nigerian Politics
The El-Rufai-Uba Sani relationship reflects a wider challenge in Nigerian politics: how to manage political succession without allowing disagreements to degenerate into lasting hostility.
Former officeholders should respect the independence of their successors, while incumbents should remain open to constructive engagement. Both must recognise that political influence carries a responsibility to protect democratic institutions and prioritise the public interest.
For the All Progressives Congress (APC), constructive engagement could also help reduce internal divisions and strengthen party cohesion. However, lasting unity must be built on mutual respect and credible dialogue, rather than pressure or political convenience.
Conclusion
If Pantami has already begun building a bridge between El-Rufai and Uba Sani, he should consolidate that initiative and encourage both leaders to embrace sustained dialogue.
Ultimately, reconciliation will depend on their willingness to engage in good faith, address genuine grievances and place Kaduna State above personal or political differences.
Kaduna does not need its political leaders to agree on everything. It needs them to manage their disagreements responsibly and ensure that political rivalry does not come at the expense of the people.
The greatest achievement would be a reconciliation that restores constructive engagement, strengthens peaceful coexistence and demonstrates that political differences need not become permanent divisions.