Nigeria: Shehu Sani Reveals Why He Lost Senate Seat in 2019
Former Kaduna lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has attributed his 2019 Senate re-election loss to his opposition against ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s request for a $340 million foreign loan.
Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Eighth Senate, stated that his decision to challenge the loan made him a political enemy.
“I stood firm in speaking truth to power, which cost me my seat. El-Rufai pushed for a $340 million loan, and we rejected it. We warned it would hurt the people, but he proceeded, labeling us as his political enemies,” Sani explained.
He revealed that the disagreement led to mass defections from their party and the downfall of several politicians.
“I confronted the governor and paid the price by losing my position,” he added.
‘I Have Been Vindicated’ – Sani
Despite his loss, Sani believes he has been proven right, as the financial burden of the loan has crippled Kaduna State.
“Back then, the governor, state assembly members, and many political figures were against me. Today, even the current governor admits the state is struggling under debt, with numerous unfinished projects. Kaduna is now the second most indebted state in Nigeria. I may have lost my seat, but I have been vindicated,” he stated.
Sani expressed satisfaction with his decision, saying he would rather be remembered for rejecting the loan than approving a debt that could take generations to repay.
Lawmakers Lose Seats for Defying Governors
The former senator also highlighted a major issue in Nigerian politics—lawmakers who refuse to be loyal to governors often lose their re-election bids.
“Unlike in countries like the U.S. and India, where lawmakers serve for decades, Nigerian legislators who challenge authority rarely get re-elected. If you frequently speak against the government, especially a governor, your chances of returning to the National Assembly are slim,” he said.
Loyalty Over Competence in Leadership
Sani further criticized how political leadership is determined in Nigeria. He argued that key positions like Senate President and Speaker of the House are awarded based on loyalty rather than competence.
“During Buhari’s tenure, a mistake in 2015 allowed Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara to take control, causing political tension for four years. Governors and presidents ensure leadership positions go to those who are 100% loyal, not necessarily the most qualified,” he concluded.
Nigeria: Shehu Sani Reveals Why He Lost Senate Seat in 2019
