The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted allegations made by former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, regarding his alleged presidential ambition for 2031.
El-Rufai, in an interview on Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of orchestrating a smear campaign against him, claiming the NSA sought to eliminate political competition from northern Nigeria ahead of the 2031 elections.
The former governor alleged that Ribadu’s actions were driven by personal political ambitions to succeed Bola Tinubu.
However, in a swift response on Monday night, Ribadu dismissed El-Rufai’s claims as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Monday evening,” Ribadu stated.
He maintained that he would not engage in a public dispute with El-Rufai and reiterated his commitment to his role as NSA.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“I however urge the public to disregard El-rufai’s statements against me.“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs,” Ribadu added.
