National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has firmly denied allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage his reputation ahead of the 2031 presidential election.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu, in collaboration with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was behind efforts 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.
Responding in a statement released late Monday, Ribadu dismissed the accusations, stating he has no plans to run for president in 2031 and is focused solely on his role as NSA 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 engage in a media war,” Ribadu stated.
He emphasized that despite ongoing provocations, he has refrained from speaking ill of El-Rufai, citing respect for their past relationship and families.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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,” he added.
Ribadu urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims and called on the former governor to allow him to focus on his national duties.
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