Ribadu to el-Rufai: I’ve never discussed running for president in 2031 — allow me to face my job

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has asked the public to disregard Nasir el-Rufai’s comments against him.

During an interview on Arise TV on February 24, el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, accused Ribadu of orchestrating attacks against him as part of his 2031 presidency project.

“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,” el-Rufai said.

“Somebody 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.”

‘I’M TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH MY ASSIGNMENT’

In a statement, Ribadu said he has never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone.

“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,” Ribadu said.

“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 added that he is focused on the success of the Bola Tinubu administration.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody,” he said.

“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.”

In June 2024, an ad hoc committee set up by the Kaduna house of assembly recommended a probe of el-Rufai over the alleged diversion of public funds to the tune of N423 billion.

In July of 2024, el-Rufai sued the state assembly over the allegation.