National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has denied claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai that he has plans to contest the presidency in 2031.
Ribadu’s response followed allegations made by El-Rufai during an interview on Arise TV on Monday.
El-Rufai had stated that Ribadu was no longer his friend, accusing him and President Bola Tinubu of preventing him from becoming a minister in the current administration.
He further alleged that Ribadu harboured presidential ambitions for 2031 and was unwilling to let anyone stand in his way.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Ribadu dismissed El-Rufai’s claims, saying he would not allow his silence to be interpreted as consent.
While urging the public to disregard the former governor’s comments, he stated that he had never discussed any presidential ambition with El-Rufai or anyone else.
Ribadu also maintained that he had never spoken ill of El-Rufai, despite repeated provocations.
However, he emphasised that he would not engage in a media fight with El-Rufai or anyone else, as he is currently focused on his national assignments.
He said, “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 to engage in a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.
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“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.
“However, I 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 directed entirely toward the advancement of Nigeria and the success of the President Tinubu administration.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me to focus on my onerous national assignment, just as I do not concern myself with his own affairs.”
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