National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed as untrue claims by the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai that he is planning to run for the 2031 presidency.
Ribadu made the refutal in a statement entitled ‘I Won’t Join Issues With Nasir El-Rufai’ issued on Tuesday.
The statement was a reaction to El-Rufai’s television interview on Monday evening in which he alleged that Ribadu was the architect of the series of probes of his tenure as Kaduna governor to destroy his reputation and pave the way for his 2031 presidential ambition.
The NSA stated that he had never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody.
He added that his focus and energy were geared towards the advancement of the country and the success of the Tinubu administration.
Ribadu’s full statement is below:
I WON’T JOIN ISSUES WITH NASIR EL-RUFAI ~ Nuhu Ribadu
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State on Monday evening.
“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 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.
“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 the President Tinubu administration.
“I, therefore, ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs”.
*Nuhu Ribadu
