Ribadu denies nursing presidential ambition, chides El-Rufai

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has denied nursing presidential ambition ahead of 2031 as claimed by the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Reacting to El-Rufai’s allegations of orchestrating a smear campaign against him over his ambition to run for president in 2031, the NSA urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s comment.

El-Rufai, in an interview on Arise TV, claimed that Ribadu, in collaboration with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), were working to damage his reputation disclosing that despite their alleged efforts, he remained undeterred.

Reacting to the allegations on Monday night, Ribadu denied having presidential ambition in 2031 as claimed by Ribadu disclosing that his primary focus is to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and ensuring national security.

He further clarified that despite repeated provocations, he had never spoken against El-Rufai and urged the public to disregard the claims. The NSA also called on El-Rufai to allow him to focus on his responsibilities, just as he refrains from interfering in the former governor’s affairs.

The NSA said, “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.

“Despite the incessant baiting and attacks I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record elsewhere. 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.”