National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has rejected claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he is behind a plot to tarnish his reputation in pursuit of a 2031 presidential ambition.
During an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu, in collaboration with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was working against him.
“This entire effort to destroy Nasir El-Rufai is masterminded by Nuhu Ribadu.
He is the one leading the charge and working with Uba Sani to execute it. However, their plans have not been successful,” El-Rufai claimed.
In response, Ribadu, through a statement issued by his office on Monday night, denied any involvement in a campaign against El-Rufai. He stated that he is not part of any scheme to discredit the former governor and emphasized that his primary focus is national security.
He also dismissed the allegation that he is preparing for a presidential bid in 2031, stressing that his energy is devoted entirely to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. If remaining silent would not be misinterpreted as agreement, I would have ignored him. However, I am too engaged in my current responsibilities to be drawn into a media battle with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” the statement read.
“Despite repeated provocations, I have never publicly spoken against Nasir out of respect for our past relationship and our families. That will not change now. I urge the public to disregard his statements about me.”
Ribadu reiterated that he has never discussed any political ambition for 2031, stating that his sole priority is contributing to Nigeria’s progress and ensuring the success of the current administration.
“I ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to concentrate on my national duties, just as I do not interfere in his personal matters,” he concluded.
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