Politics has its own rules. Timing and perception matter as much as intentions. Those who see it only through a moral or religious lens often misread the dangers, and that is exactly what happened in this case. Recently, at the burial of the mother of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai, a moment meant for grief turned into a political scene. Present there was Uba Sani, a man whose political relationship with El‑Rufai has grown tense in recent times.
Pantami wanted to get
the credit for reconciliation and insisted on a public handshake between the
two former (according to El-Rufai) friends. From a religious standpoint, one
might understand the need for that. In faith traditions, reconciliation is
virtuous, and many scholars often encourage believers to mend broken ties.
Pantami likely saw the moment through that spiritual frame. He may, in his
mind, have been drawing inspiration from a hadith that promotes peace between
disputing parties. But politics is a different terrain and requires another eye
to see things. One that reads timing, hierarchy, and dignity all at once. That
is where the miscalculation became obvious.
A funeral is not a
political stage. It is a moment when emotions are still fresh and when gestures
carry heavier meanings than usual. By insisting on that public handshake,
Pantami carelessly placed Governor Uba Sani in an awkward position. The
situation appeared uneven, especially when El-Rufai seemed unwilling to fully
reciprocate the moment. He frowned, as if he had just come face to face with
the one person, he disliked the most. The respect that should have remained
genuine suddenly felt fake. That is the blunder.
Not because reconciliation
is wrong. In fact, it is the right thing. But because in politics, timing and
consent matter as much as the message itself. Rival politicians often
understand their boundaries. They may disagree publicly, compete aggressively,
and still manage their interactions carefully. Interference, especially in a
delicate setting like this, can easily cross into undermining someone’s
stature.
Pantami is widely
regarded as an intellectual voice whose influence extends beyond ordinary
political conversation. People often look to him not only for opinions, but for
careful judgment and thoughtful interpretation of complex situations. That is
precisely why this moment stands out more than it might if it involved someone
else.
When a person known for
intellectual depth responds in a way that appears hurried or guided by a single
perspective, it naturally draws attention. In this case, it suggests a reading
of the situation that leaned too heavily on religious impulse while not giving
enough weight to the political realities unfolding in front of him.
An intellectual,
especially one with public influence, is generally expected to step back,
examine multiple dimensions of an issue, and balance personal convictions with
a clear eyed understanding of context. Because of that expectation, the
response feels surprising not necessarily because reconciliation is wrong, but
because a more measured and analytically grounded approach might have been
anticipated from someone in his position. Politics, whether we like it or not,
demands its own wisdom.
In that brief moment at
the burial ground, the country saw something revealing. goodwill alone is not
enough in political spaces. One must also understand the language of power,
pride, and timing.
Pantami may have meant peace. But what the moment exposed was a costly misreading of politics.
Mohammed Abubakar Usman
Twitter: @reactor19
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