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National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has denied allegations of planning a presidential bid for 2031, stating that his focus is on supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Ribadu clarification was made on his X platform, following allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that he was collaborating with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tarnish his reputation.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of spearheading a political scheme against him, allegedly motivated by the NSA’s purported ambition to contest the presidency in 2031.
In his rebuttal, Ribadu firmly denied the allegations, stressing that he remains committed to his national assignment and has no interest 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.”
He emphasized that despite repeated provocations, he has refrained from making negative remarks about El-Rufai out of 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.”
Addressing the claim that he is planning a 2031 presidential bid, Ribadu stated:
“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 urged El-Rufai to allow him to concentrate on his national duties, saying: “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.”
Despite these challenges, Ribadu maintains his focus on national security and governance.
