2031 Presidential Ambition: Disregard El-Rufai’s allegations against me – NSA Nuhu Ribadu

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed claims that he is planning to contest for the presidency in 2031, insisting that his priority remains the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Ribadu made this clarification in a statement on his X platform in response to allegations from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. El-Rufai had accused him of working with Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his image.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu was leading a political scheme against him, supposedly driven by the NSA’s alleged presidential ambition for 2031.

However, Ribadu denied the claims, stating that he is fully committed to his national duty and uninterested 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,” Ribadu stated.

He also noted that despite continuous provocations, he has refrained from speaking negatively about El-Rufai, citing respect for their past association and families.

“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,” he added.

Clarifying his stance on the 2031 presidency, Ribadu declared:

“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.”

He further urged El-Rufai to allow him to concentrate on his national responsibilities, stating:

“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 interview, El-Rufai had alleged:

“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.”