Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has attributed his loss in the 2019 Senate re-election bid to his opposition against ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s request for a $340 million foreign loan.
Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Sani explained that his decision to stand against the loan proposal created political tensions that led to his defeat.
“I remained committed to speaking the truth to power, which cost me my re-election. El-Rufai sought a $340 million loan, and we opposed it, believing it would negatively impact the people. Despite our objections, he proceeded and perceived us as political adversaries,” he stated.
Sani further explained that the political rift with the former governor led to a mass exodus from the party, affecting several politicians.
“In my case, I stood my ground against him, and I paid the price by losing my seat,” he added.
However, the former lawmaker believes that time has vindicated him.
“Back then, I faced opposition from the governor, state assembly members, and other political figures. Today, even the current governor has openly acknowledged how that loan has strangled the state’s finances and economy. Numerous projects remain abandoned, and Kaduna is now the second most indebted state in the country. Although I lost my seat, I have been vindicated,” he remarked.
Sani expressed contentment with his stance at the time, stating, “At least when I die, no one will point to my grave and say I approved a loan that would burden generations for a hundred years. Vindication matters more to me than returning to the National Assembly.”
He also pointed out that many lawmakers fail to secure re-election due to their refusal to be submissive to their governors. This, he said, has resulted in a high turnover rate in both the national and state assemblies, a trend he believes is detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.
“In countries like the United States and India, lawmakers serve for 30, 40, or even 50 years. But in Nigeria, if you frequently challenge those in power, especially the governor of your state, your chances of returning to the National Assembly are slim,” he observed.
Sani also highlighted the influence of the executive in determining legislative leadership.
“A lawmaker’s qualifications do not guarantee they will become Senate President or Speaker. What matters most is being the preferred candidate of the executive. The only exception was in 2015 when a miscalculation allowed Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara to assume leadership, causing friction for four years,” he noted.
He added that governors and presidents ensure that legislative leaders are chosen based on loyalty rather than competence.
“The most important qualification for a speaker or Senate President is not their command of English, competence, or knowledge of lawmaking, but their absolute loyalty to the governor or president,” Sani concluded.