National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of orchestrating his troubles with anti-graft agencies and the Kaduna State House of Assembly. El-Rufai claimed Ribadu was targeting perceived political rivals as part of a plan to run for president in 2031.
Responding to the claims, Ribadu stated that he had no intention of engaging in a media battle with El-Rufai. He emphasized that if his silence wouldn’t be mistaken for consent, he would have ignored the allegations entirely.
“I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu said.
He stressed that despite repeated provocations, he had never spoken ill of El-Rufai, out of respect for their past association and their families.
Ribadu also refuted the claim that corruption allegations against El-Rufai at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Kaduna House of Assembly were linked to his supposed 2031 presidential ambition.
“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 the President Tinubu administration,” Ribadu stated.
He urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims and asked the former governor to allow him to focus on his national duties.
