•Ribadu and El-Rufai
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has urged former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to exclude him from his political battles so that he can focus on his national assignment.
Ribadu’s reaction comes in response to comments by El-Rufai during a television interview yesterday evening where he alleged that the NSA harbours ambitions to run for presidency in 2031 and intends to eliminate northern contenders ahead of time, reports The Nation.
In a statement he posted on his social media platforms today, Ribadu dismissed the claims and insisted he would not be drawn into a media confrontation with the former governor.
“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,” Ribadu stated.
He noted that despite repeated provocations, he has refrained from making disparaging remarks about El-Rufai out of respect for their past association and families.
“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,” he said.
The NSA further urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s allegations, making it clear that he has no political ambitions for 2031.
“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,” he affirmed.
Ribadu concluded by reiterating his commitment to his duties and called on El-Rufai to let him carry out his responsibilities without distractions.
“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,” he stated.
