National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has categorically denied reports that he is planning a presidential bid for 2031, reiterating that his attention remains fully on supporting the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on his X platform, Ribadu responded to recent allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed the NSA was plotting a political scheme against him, allegedly motivated by ambitions to run for president in 2031.
El-Rufai had accused Ribadu of 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 described Ribadu as the mastermind of a project aimed at undermining him.
However, Ribadu wasted no time in rebutting these accusations, stressing that his sole focus is on his national duties.
“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.
Ribadu, who is known for his quiet, determined approach, further explained that despite multiple provocations, he had refrained from speaking negatively about El-Rufai out of respect for their past relationship 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 said.
Addressing the specific claim that he is gearing up to contest the presidency in 2031, Ribadu made it clear: “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.”
The NSA also called on El-Rufai to allow him to focus 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.”
El-Rufai’s allegations have added fuel to an already tense political atmosphere, with the former governor claiming that Ribadu was the architect of a concerted effort to “destroy” him.
“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,” El-Rufai stated during his TV interview.
Despite the mounting political drama, Ribadu remains steadfast in his commitment to his national duties, calling on Nigerians to disregard any political distractions.
As the country navigates its complex political landscape, the NSA’s unwavering focus on national security and governance continues to be his top priority.
