The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has denied allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, claiming that Ribadu is working to damage his reputation because of a supposed 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai, had in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of partnering with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to ruin his image.
He alleged that the plan was politically motivated and designed to block his path to the presidency in 2031.
“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 had claimed.
However, Ribadu swiftly responded through a statement late Monday. He stated that he was not involved in any campaign to tarnish El-Rufai’s image and emphasized that his focus remains solely on his current responsibilities as NSA.
Ribadu stressed that he has never discussed or even considered running for president in 2031, contrary to El-Rufai’s claims. According to him, his primary goal is to ensure the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and contribute to the progress of the nation.
The statement from Ribadu read: “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 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.”
“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.”
Ribadu further clarified, “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.”
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs,” Ribadu added.
This exchange comes amid other controversies involving Ribadu. Recently, Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, alleged that Ribadu demanded significant bribe payments to resolve a dispute between the cryptocurrency company and the federal government.
In a social media post, Gambaryan claimed that Ribadu sought “billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition.”
