 Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed allegations by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he is orchestrating a smear campaign against him due to a supposed 2031 presidential ambition.){kind=link}
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed allegations by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he is orchestrating a smear campaign against him due to a supposed 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of working alongside Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his image.
“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 claimed.
In response, Ribadu, through a statement released by his office late Monday, denied any involvement in a campaign against El-Rufai, stating that he is not conspiring with anyone to undermine the former governor.
He also refuted claims of having any political ambitions for 2031, emphasizing that his sole focus is on national security and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. 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,” the statement read.
“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 reiterated that he has never discussed a 2031 presidential bid with anyone, reaffirming that his efforts are solely directed at national development and ensuring the success of the current administration.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to focus on my national duty, just as I do not interfere in his affairs,” he added.