Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi

Former Governor of Kaduna State (1999-2007)

Date of Birth: 08/08/1956
Place of Birth: Makarfi

Education: Federal Government College, Enugu, 1973-78; BA, Accountancy, Ahmadu Bello University; MSc, Accountancy and Finance, 1985-87.

Career: Chief Accountant and Assistant General Manager, Nigeria Universal Bank, 1985-87; Honorable Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning, 1994; Governor, Kaduna State, 1999-2007; Senator, Kaduna North, 2007 to date.

Commentary: While Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi was one of a handful of governors to resist calls for the implementation of Sharia law. According to critics, this was not because of religious tolerance, but because he wanted to reduce the influence of local imams and judges. He finally conceded when Kaduna State imams asked worshippers to curse his name at daily prayers.

In 2009, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated the governor turned senator for payments made to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials totaling 243 million naira. He was also investigated for several improper deals during his eight years as governor.

Makarfi enjoyed a close relationship with Olusegun Obasanjo but is not on good terms with his former friend Namadi Sambo, who succeeded him as Governor of Kaduna State.