The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted allegations made against him by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai of being behind plots to tarnish his image and reputation because of his (Ribadu’s) 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai who made the allegations in an interview with Arise TV on Monday evening, had accused Ribadu of leading a smear campaign against him due to his ambition to contest the presidential election in 2031.
“This project of destroy 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.
But while reacting to the allegations in a statement he shared on his official X handle late Monday, Ribadu said he is too busy to engage in a media battle with El-Rufai, insisting that he has not joined forces with anyone to disparage or malign the ex-governor in any way as he is only focused on delivering on the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu.
The NSA also urged Nigerians to disregard El-Rufai’s claims, saying lhe has never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody.
In the post titled “I won’t join issues with Nasir El-Rufai,” Ribadu said:
‘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 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.
“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 the President Tinubu administration.
“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.”
