Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations made by the former governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, calling on the public to disregard his statements.
In a televised interview on February 24, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of being behind attacks aimed at undermining him, linking it to Ribadu’s alleged presidential ambitions for 2031. El-Rufai claimed that Ribadu had conceived a “project” to destroy his reputation and had enlisted the support of Uba Sani to execute this plan.
“This project to destroy Nasir El-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is working with Uba Sani to implement it,” El-Rufai stated. “They want to eliminate anyone they see as a threat to Ribadu’s 2031 presidency project.”
El-Rufai further alleged that Ribadu and Sani had resorted to coercing lower-level individuals and even some of his former officials to implicate him, framing the situation as part of a larger scheme to ruin his reputation.
In response, Ribadu issued a statement dismissing the accusations. He categorically denied any involvement in a presidential bid for 2031, emphasizing that he had never discussed running for president with anyone. Ribadu also expressed his disinterest in engaging in a media dispute with El-Rufai, whom he once had a working relationship with.
“I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone, and I am too focused on my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu stated. “Despite the attacks and provocations, I have refrained from speaking ill of El-Rufai out of respect for our past association and our families.”
Ribadu reiterated that his priority is the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the advancement of Nigeria, adding that he had no interest in engaging with El-Rufai’s personal affairs. He further urged the public to disregard the accusations made by the former governor.
“My energy and focus are entirely on the success of this administration. I ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to focus on my national duties just as I do not concern myself with his affairs,” Ribadu concluded.
The war of words comes amid ongoing tension between El-Rufai and various political figures in Kaduna State. In June 2024, an ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly recommended an investigation into El-Rufai over alleged diversion of public funds amounting to N423 billion. In response, El-Rufai filed a lawsuit against the state assembly in July 2024, rejecting the allegations.
