The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed the rumour that he intends to run for the 2031 presidential election, stating that he is too focused on his current responsibilities to consider future ambitions.
In an interview on Arise TV on Monday evening, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, accused Ribadu of orchestrating attacks on his person to clinch the ticket for the 2031 presidency.
“This project of destroy Nasir el-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is the one working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them.”
“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.”
However, in a post on social media, Ribadu stated that he has never discussed running for 2031 presidency with anyone and urged the public to disregard the utterances of the former FCT minister.
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State 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 to face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs.“
