A former National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the North-West, Mallam Jafar Ibrahim Sani, has called on political leaders and stakeholders in the North to demonstrate loyalty and uphold justice amid the recent travails of former Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Sani, in a statement titled: “El-Rufai, The North, Our Elders and the Test of Loyalty,” said the situation surrounding the former governor should called for prompt reflection on the political culture being built in the country.

He said political relationships should be guided by principles and conviction rather than immediate political gains, stressing that loyalty was most meaningful during periods of adversity.

According to him, while opinions about El-Rufai might differ, his contributions to Nigeria’s public life would not be denied.

He described the former governor as “bold, energetic and intellectually assertive”, adding that his contributions had left a lasting impact.

Sani expressed concern over what he described as the limited support shown by some people who were previously close to El-Rufai, saying political differences should not justify the abandonment of fairness and due process.

“Adversity is precisely when loyalty matters most. We must not allow political differences to justify the abandonment of fairness and due process,” he said.

He called on elders, political leaders, stakeholders and other Nigerians to ensure that the rule of law and justice prevailed in dealing with the former governor’s situation.

The former ADC chieftain also defended El-Rufai over his comments concerning Northern elders, saying the former governor did not suggest that the region lacked elders, scholars, traditional rulers or experienced leaders.

He said the North remained blessed with people of immense wisdom and experience, adding that the concern raised by El-Rufai was about the region’s development trajectory.

“To compare our progress with societies once at similar levels is not an insult but a wake-up call,” Sani said.

He argued that criticism of the North’s development should be viewed as a call for improvement rather than an attack on its traditional and political leadership.

According to him, the region deserves a better quality of life, greater prosperity for its younger generation and a stronger position in the global community.

Sani urged Northern leaders to rise above political calculations and focus on building a political culture based on principles rather than patronage.

He said justice, if properly served, should lead to whatever outcome the law and courts determine, including the lawful release of El-Rufai where appropriate.

“This is not a demand for blind support, but for responsible engagement. Political power is temporary, but character endures,” he said.

He further warned political actors against abandoning people who had supported them during periods of strength, noting that political fortunes could change.

Sani expressed optimism that El-Rufai would overcome his current challenges and emerge stronger, while calling for prayers for justice, peace and the progress of Nigeria.