Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser has asked the public to ignore Nasir el-Rufai’s recent claims against him.
In an Arise TV interview on 24 February, Nasir el-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, alleged that Ribadu was behind the attacks on him as part of a 2031 presidential bid plan. He said the NSA had set a project in motion to destroy his reputation.
El-Rufai claimed Ribadu was working with Uba Sani to achieve this.
El-Rufai said: “This project of destroy 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.”
He continued: “Someone 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. In fact, what they have resorted to doing is to call low level people and some of my officials to say ‘implicate el-Rufai and your problems will go away’.
“This is what ICPC has become. Uba Sani and Nuhu Ribadu are not my friends. They were my friends at some point but not anymore.”
Ribadu’s Response
‘I’M TOO BUSY TO FIGHT’
In a statement, Ribadu denied ever discussing 2031 presidential bid with anyone.
He said: “If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too busy with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.”
Ribadu added: “Despite the continuous provocation and attacks, I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere.
“This is out of respect for our past relationship and our families. I will not start today.
“I however urge the public to disregard El-rufai’s statement against me.”
He added: “For the sake of clarity, I want to say it clearly that I have never discussed 2031 presidential bid with anyone.”
He continued: “My focus and energy are fully on Nigeria and the Tinubu administration. I ask Nasir El-Rufai to let me face my national assignment like I don’t bother myself with his own affairs.”
In June 2024, an ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly recommended el-Rufai for probe over alleged diversion of N423 billion public funds.
In July 2024, el-Rufai sued the state assembly over the allegation.
These statements show the extent of political crisis in Nigeria.
Political analysts from reputable sources like BBC and Reuters have said such disputes can undermine public confidence in institutions.