He reiterated that despite repeated attacks, he has never publicly spoken ill of El-Rufai, out of respect for their past association and their families. Ribadu urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims and called on the former governor to allow him to focus on his national responsibilities.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that he is orchestrating a smear campaign against him ahead of a potential 2031 presidential bid.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of working alongside Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his reputation.
“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, Ribadu, in a statement posted on his official X handle late Monday, refuted the claims, stating that he has no interest in any media battle and is not collaborating with anyone to undermine El-Rufai. He also denied any discussions about a 2031 presidential ambition, emphasizing that his focus remains on national security and the success of 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, on Monday evening. If my silence wouldn’t be misconstrued as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” Ribadu stated.
He reiterated that despite repeated attacks, he has never publicly spoken ill of El-Rufai, out of respect for their past association and their families. Ribadu urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims and called on the former governor to allow him to focus on his national responsibilities.
“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,” he added.
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