National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu Responds To Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai’s Claims
National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has responded to allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing claims that he is orchestrating a campaign to destroy El-Rufai’s reputation in pursuit of a 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of working with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his image.
“This project of ‘destroy Nasir El-Rufai’ is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is the one working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them,” El-Rufai claimed.
“Somebody wants to destroy my reputation. Why? Nuhu Ribadu wants to be president in 2031. He has to eliminate every northerner that he thinks is on the radar,” he added.
Ribadu’s Response: “I Won’t Join Issues With El-Rufai”
Reacting to the allegations, Ribadu dismissed El-Rufai’s claims, stating that he has no intention of engaging in a media battle.
“If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to engage in a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu said in a statement late Monday night .
He maintained that he has never spoken ill of El-Rufai, despite repeated attacks, out of respect for their past relationship and their families.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody. My focus remains on advancing Nigeria and ensuring the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” Ribadu stated.
He called on El-Rufai to allow him to focus on his duties, saying, “I do not bother myself with his own affairs, and I expect the same courtesy in return.”
