Ribadu emphasised that his current focus is solely on supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
By Jeffrey Agbo
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed claims that he is planning a presidential run in 2031.
Ribadu emphasised that his current focus is solely on supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This response came via a statement posted on Tuesday on X after former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accused Ribadu of conspiring with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to damage his reputation.
During an interview on Monday night on Arise TV, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu’s actions were motivated by his supposed presidential ambitions for 2031.
He said, “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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In response, Ribadu stated, “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 be misconstrued as consent, I would have ignored him.”
He added that he was too focused on his current responsibilities to engage in a public dispute.
“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,” Ribadu said.
He added, “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.”
Ribadu concluded by urging El-Rufai to let him focus on his national duties.
