The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has distanced himself from recent claims made by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, in a widely circulated interview. Ribadu, in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, made it clear that he has no intention of engaging in a media altercation with El-Rufai.
Expressing his disappointment, Ribadu stated that while he would have ordinarily ignored El-Rufai’s remarks, his silence could be misinterpreted as an endorsement of the claims. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to his current national assignment, emphasizing that he has no time for political distractions.
“If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed 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,” Ribadu said.
The NSA also maintained that despite past provocations, he has never publicly spoken ill of El-Rufai out of respect for their shared history and their families. He, however, urged the public to disregard the former governor’s statements, which he described as misleading.
Furthermore, Ribadu categorically denied any discussions about contesting the 2031 presidential election, debunking speculation that he harbors such ambitions.
“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,” he clarified.
Concluding his statement, Ribadu urged El-Rufai to allow him to concentrate on his crucial national duty, just as he refrains from interfering in the former governor’s affairs.
This latest development adds to the growing political discourse surrounding the former Kaduna governor’s recent public statements, as observers continue to weigh their implications.
