The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that he was leading a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation over an alleged 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise News Channel on Monday night, accused Ribadu of conspiring with Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to destroy his image.
“This project of destroying 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 alleged.
However, in a swift response late Monday night, Ribadu denied the allegations, stating that he has never been involved in any scheme to discredit El-Rufai. He also dismissed claims of nursing a presidential ambition, insisting that his sole focus remains on national security and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Monday evening. If my silence wouldn’t be misconstrued as consent, I would have ignored him,” Ribadu said in a statement issued by his office.
“I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else. Despite the incessant baiting and attacks, I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere. This is out of respect for our past association and our respective families. I will not start today. I, however, urge the public to disregard El-Rufai’s statements against me.”
The NSA further distanced himself from any political ambition, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody. All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of President Tinubu’s administration.”
Ribadu urged El-Rufai to allow him to focus on his current responsibilities, stating, “I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs.”
