I won’t join issues with El-Rufai; I’m occupied with my job – Ribadu

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has dismissed allegations by Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, that he is leading a campaign to tarnish his reputation ahead of the 2031 presidential election.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ribadu said he had no intention of engaging in a media feud with El-Rufai, emphasising that his focus remains on his national security duties.

“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,” he said.

Read also: Ribadu working with Sani to tarnish my image ahead of 2031 – El-Rufai

“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.”

The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) denied any political ambition for 2031, urging the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims.

“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.”

Ribadu’s response follows El-Rufai’s Monday interview with Arise TV, where he accused the NSA of orchestrating a plot to undermine him in collaboration with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“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.

The former Kaduna governor further suggested that Ribadu’s alleged actions were politically motivated.

“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.”

However, Ribadu dismissed the allegations and urged El-Rufai to let him focus on his national assignment.

“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs,” Ribadu stated.