El-Rufai accuses Ribadu, Uba Sani of plot to tarnish his reputation

By Kunle Sanni

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani of conspiring to damage his reputation.

In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu is targeting him due to his perceived presidential ambitions for 2031.

According to him, Ribadu, with the support of Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is leading a smear campaign against him.

“This project of destroying Nasir El-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them,” El-Rufai claimed.

He also distanced himself from Governor Uba Sani, saying, “Uba Sani is not my friend. He is working with Ribadu against me.”

El-Rufai suggested that Ribadu’s actions are politically motivated, aimed at sidelining northern rivals ahead of the 2031 presidential race.

“Somebody wants to destroy my reputation. Why? Nuhu Ribadu wants to be president in 2031. He has to eliminate every northerner that he thinks is on the radar,” El-Rufai alleged.

In April 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly set up a 13-member ad hoc committee to investigate the state’s financial activities during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.

Western Post reported that on June 5, 2024, the committee presented its findings, alleging that approximately ₦423 billion was misappropriated under El-Rufai’s administration.

The report claimed that several loans obtained during his tenure were not used for their intended purposes and that due process was often ignored in securing loans and awarding contracts.