Abuja, Nigeria – National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed comments made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he has no interest in engaging in a media confrontation. Ribadu refuted claims about his alleged 2031 presidential ambition, emphasizing that his focus remains on national security and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ribadu, responding to El-Rufai’s remarks on ARISE News, stated, “If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.” He reiterated that he has never spoken negatively about El-Rufai despite persistent attacks.
He urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s comments, stating, “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.”
Meanwhile, Reno Omokri, a staunch defender of the Tinubu administration, accused El-Rufai of distorting facts regarding his ministerial nomination. Omokri revealed that El-Rufai failed security screening during the Senate confirmation process due to past controversial statements and alleged involvement in human rights violations.
According to Omokri, “During the Senate confirmation process, national and international intelligence agencies found El-Rufai to be a diplomatic liability, citing his 2019 threat against European Union election observers and his role in the Southern Kaduna crisis and the Zaria Shiite Massacre.”
He further detailed El-Rufai’s alleged involvement in political vendettas, including the demolition of properties belonging to political opponents in Kaduna. Additionally, he highlighted El-Rufai’s controversial remarks on Christianity, which reportedly contributed to his rejection.
Omokri argued that El-Rufai was one of three ministerial nominees who failed security clearance, adding, “None of the others have blamed President Tinubu or the NSA. Only El-Rufai is attacking those who are working for Nigeria’s progress.”
The political feud continues to unfold as Ribadu maintains his stance of focusing on national security, while El-Rufai faces criticism over his past actions and political ambitions.
