National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has denied allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, claiming that Ribadu is plotting to tarnish his reputation due to his 2031 presidential ambitions.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of collaborating with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to destroy 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 said.
Ribadu responded to the allegations in a statement issued by his office late Monday, stating that he is not collaborating with anyone to disparage or malign El-Rufai.
“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.”
Ribadu emphasized that he has never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone and that his focus is on the success of the Bola Tinubu administration and Nigeria’s advancement.
“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.”