Ribadu denies rumours, urges public to disregard El-Rufai’s statements
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed rumours of him planning to run for President in 2031, insisting that his focus is on ensuring the success of the administration of incumbent Bola Tinubu in which he is the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Ribadu made the clarification in a statement on X, following allegation by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he is out to tarnish his (El-Rufai’s) reputation in collaboration with Kaduna Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Making the allegation on Arise Television, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of spearheading a political scheme against him motivated by Ribadu’s ambition to contest for the Villa in 2031.
But Ribadu countered the allegation on X stressing that he remains committed to his national assignment and has no interest in political distractions.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Monday evening. 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 fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” he riposted.
“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. All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of President Tinubu’s administration.
“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.”
During his Arise TV interview, El-Rufai had alleged that “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.”
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