By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A political commentator from Kogi State, Idenyi Tijjani Julius, has said former Kaduna State Governor, , should not expect sympathy from many people in Igala land over his current political and legal challenges, citing events surrounding the succession controversy that followed the death of Prince Abubakar Audu in 2015.
In a statement made available to journalists, Julius argued that many Igalas still regard the political developments that followed Audu’s death as a painful chapter in their history, alleging that influential figures within the APC at the time played a role in denying the region the opportunity to retain political power.
His remarks come amid reports from ongoing court proceedings in which DSS evidence was reportedly admitted concerning allegations that El-Rufai had claimed access to private telephone conversations involving the National Security Adviser, . Julius referenced testimony attributed to activist , who reportedly told the court that he heard El-Rufai say, “we listened to the conversations of the NSA.”
Reacting to the developments, Julius said he was not surprised by the controversies currently surrounding the former Kaduna governor.
“As far as I am concerned, the gods of our land are not sleeping. Mallam is facing the consequences of the political role he allegedly played against Igala land,” he said.
According to him, following Audu’s death after the APC won the Kogi governorship election but before the final declaration of results, many Igala people believed the mandate should have remained with those who worked to secure the victory.
He noted that while different legal and political arguments emerged over who should succeed Audu—including suggestions that former Governor Idris Wada or Audu’s running mate, James Faleke, should be considered—many in Igala land felt that powerful interests within the APC establishment supported an arrangement that denied the region the opportunity to retain power.
Julius further argued that some of the political figures associated with those decisions are now raising concerns about injustice, persecution, and abuse of power.
“For many of us from Igala land, the events of 2015 remain a painful reminder of how political interests were placed above fairness, equity, and the will of the people,” he stated.
He added that the episode continues to shape perceptions among many residents of the region and contributes to the limited sympathy some feel for political actors they believe were involved in the events that followed Audu’s death.
