A storm of political intrigue has erupted as Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, fiercely refutes allegations from former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai, in a high-profile interview on Arise TV, in the 24th of February, 2025, accused Ribadu of masterminding a scheme to discredit him, claiming the NSA harbors a secret ambition to succeed Tinubu in 2031.
According to the former governor, this alleged political maneuvering aims to eliminate competition from the North.
But Ribadu wasted no time in setting the record straight. In a strongly worded statement released Monday night, the NSA dismissed El-Rufai’s claims as baseless, making it clear that he has no intention of engaging in a war of words.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Monday evening. If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him,” Ribadu stated.
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He emphasized his commitment to national security, stating unequivocally: “I am too preoccupied with my current assignment as to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else. 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.”
With a direct appeal to the public, Ribadu urged Nigerians to disregard El-Rufai’s statements, making it crystal clear that he has no presidential 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. Therefore, I ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs.”
With this swift rebuttal, Ribadu aims to put the controversy to rest, reinforcing his dedication to national service over political drama.