In a swift rebuttal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed claims made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who alleged that Ribadu is orchestrating a smear campaign to derail his speculated 2031 presidential bid.
Speaking on Arise TV Monday, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of colluding with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his image. “This entire project to destroy me was conceived and engineered by Nuhu Ribadu,” El-Rufai declared. “He’s working hand-in-hand with Uba Sani, but their efforts have been nothing short of frustrating.”
Ribadu, however, didn’t let the allegations go unchecked. In a late-night statement on Monday, he categorically denied any involvement in undermining El-Rufai, emphasizing his unwavering focus on national security duties.
“My attention was drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Ordinarily, I would have ignored it, but silence could be misinterpreted,” Ribadu stated. “I am deeply engrossed in my national assignment and have no interest in trading words. I have never spoken ill of Nasir, despite relentless provocation, out of respect for our past association and our families. I won’t start now.”
Ribadu made it clear that the idea of him running for president in 2031 is baseless. “For the record, I have never discussed nor entertained any thoughts about a 2031 presidential bid. My energy is firmly invested in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration and driving national progress,” he affirmed.
He concluded with a pointed request: “I urge Nasir El-Rufai to let me focus on my demanding national duty, just as I stay out of his personal affairs.”
This clash comes on the heels of another controversy surrounding Ribadu. Recently, Binance Holdings Limited executive Tigran Gambaryan alleged that Ribadu solicited massive bribe payments to settle disputes between the cryptocurrency firm and the federal government—funds Gambaryan claimed were intended to bankroll Ribadu’s supposed political ambitions.
This article was updated 3 weeks ago
