The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has denied allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, which suggest that he is plotting to undermine El-Rufai’s reputation due to his ambitions for the 2031 presidential race, noting that he’s too occupied with his current responsibility.
In a fiery interview with Arise TV yesterday, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of conspiring with Kaduna’s Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to tarnish his image. “This project to destroy Nasir El-Rufai is entirely Nuhu Ribadu’s brainchild. He is both the architect and the builder of this malicious scheme. He is manipulating Uba Sani to put it into action. So far, their efforts have proven to be a futile endeavour,” El-Rufai asserted.
In a statement released late on Monday from his office, Ribadu responded to these serious accusations, asserting that he has no intention of collaborating with anyone to defame El-Rufai. He emphasised that he has never engaged in discussions about a presidential run in 2031, stating that his entire focus and energy are devoted to the success of Bola Tinubu’s administration and the progress of the nation.
He called upon the public to dismiss El-Rufai’s claims as unfounded and misleading.
The statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Monday evening.
“If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment as to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.
“Despite the incessant baiting and attacks I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere. This is out of respect for our past association and our respective families. I will not start today.
“I however urge the public to disregard El-rufai’s statements against me.
“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.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs.“
