National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has responded to allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of orchestrating a plot to tarnish his reputation. El-Rufai, in a Monday interview on ARISE TV, claimed Ribadu was behind a campaign to discredit him due to his alleged ambition to run for president in 2031.
The former FCT Minister alleged that Ribadu, in collaboration with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was determined to destroy his image. He claimed Ribadu was systematically eliminating northern political figures perceived as potential threats to his rumoured presidential bid.
“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. 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,” El-Rufai alleged.
In a swift reaction, Ribadu dismissed the claims, stating that he had no intention of engaging in a public spat with the former governor. He urged Nigerians to disregard the accusations, emphasizing that his sole focus was on national security and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. If my silence wouldn’t risk being 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 further denied any political ambition, stating, “For the avoidance of doubt, 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 Tinubu administration. I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to focus on my national assignment, just as I do not interfere in his own affairs.”
El-Rufai’s allegations and Ribadu’s response have sparked heated debates, fueling speculations about internal political rivalries and the shifting dynamics ahead of Nigeria’s future elections.
