Fani-Kayode Accuses El-Rufai of Persecuting Christians

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has renewed fierce criticism against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, openly accusing him of persecuting Christians and marginalising their communities during his eight-year tenure.

Allegations of Marginalisation and Abuse

Speaking on the political climate in Kaduna, Fani-Kayode claimed that the previous state government engaged in systematically persecuting Christians. He alleged that these actions went far beyond normal political disagreements and resulted in severe hardship for Christian citizens across the state.

According to Fani-Kayode, the pattern of persecuting Christians under the former administration included:

• Denied Development: Southern Kaduna and other Christian-majority areas were allegedly denied essential infrastructure projects and fair government allocations.
• Attacks on Leaders: Christian leaders who voiced peaceful objections to state policies were subjected to insults and disrespect.
• Cabinet Injustice: Fani-Kayode alleged that El-Rufai’s late former deputy, Barnabas Bala Bantex, faced verbal hostility and insults over his Christian faith during official cabinet meetings.
• Targeted Violence: He further claimed that innocent Christians were killed without adequate state protection or intervention.

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Uba Sani and the Push for Balance

Describing the former governor’s actions as destructive, Fani-Kayode praised the current Governor, Uba Sani, for taking a completely different path. He described Governor Sani as a fair-minded leader who does not discriminate based on religion.

Fani-Kayode noted that the new leadership provides a vital opportunity to heal old wounds, bridge religious divides, and permanently reverse the legacy of persecuting Christians in Kaduna State.

Standing for “God Before Politics”

Explaining why he continues to speak out despite sharing political affiliations in the past, Fani-Kayode insisted that fighting against persecuting Christians is a matter of personal conviction and faith.

“There’s something that comes before politics, comes before anything, and that is God, because it is God that gives you everything else.”

While Fani-Kayode maintains that his statements reflect the real lived experiences of Kaduna residents, these claims remain political allegations rather than formal court findings. Nonetheless, his statements have reignited critical national debates on religious freedom, equity, and inclusive governance across Nigeria.