‘I’m focused on my national duty’ – Ribadu responds to El-Rufai

By Kunle Sanni

Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed comments made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement on Monday night, Ribadu emphasized his commitment to his national assignment, stating, “I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to engage in any media exchanges with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.”

He made this remark in response to the former governor’s allegations during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, where El-Rufai accused the NSA, along with his successor, Governor Uba Sani, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), of leading a smear campaign against him.

Ribadu noted that he had previously refrained from responding to such attacks out of respect for their past association and their respective families.

“Despite the incessant baiting and attacks, I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere. I will not start today,” he added.

He urged the public to disregard El-Rufai’s claims, clarifying that speculations about his alleged presidential ambitions in 2031 are baseless.

“I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anyone. My focus remains entirely on advancing Nigeria and supporting the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” Ribadu stated.

Ribadu called on El-Rufai to allow him to concentrate on his national responsibilities, saying, “Just as I do not interfere in his affairs, I ask him to let me focus on my assignment.”