“NSA Nuhu Ribadu Denies 2031 Presidential Ambitions, Responds to El-Rufai Allegations”
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has rejected claims that he is planning a presidential bid for 2031. In a statement released on his X platform, Ribadu emphasized that his only focus is on ensuring the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The clarification follows accusations from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who alleged that Ribadu was collaborating with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to damage his reputation. El-Rufai made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV, claiming that Ribadu’s actions were motivated by his purported ambition to run for president in 2031.
In his response, Ribadu firmly denied the accusations, stressing that he has no interest in political distractions. He expressed that he is too focused on his current national security role to engage in media battles with El-Rufai or anyone else.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Monday evening,” Ribadu stated. “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.”
Ribadu also made it clear that despite repeated provocations, he has refrained from criticizing El-Rufai, both out of respect for their past relationship and for the sake of their families. “I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere,” he added.
Addressing the rumors surrounding his alleged 2031 presidential ambitions, Ribadu categorically denied any such plans. “I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody,” he said. “All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of President Tinubu’s administration.”
Ribadu called on El-Rufai to allow him to focus on his national duties and reiterated that he does not concern himself with El-Rufai’s political matters. “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,” he urged.
While El-Rufai’s accusations continue to stir political tensions, Ribadu remains steadfast in his commitment to national security, urging the public to disregard political distractions.
