Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, is orchestrating efforts to damage his reputation.
Speaking on Arise TV on Monday night, El-Rufai said Ribadu is working to eliminate any potential political competition from the North ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“Ribadu is not my friend. We used to be friends,” El-Rufai stated.
He further claimed that Ribadu and his associates have been trying to fabricate allegations against him but have not been successful.
“Ribadu is behind the project to destroy El-Rufai and my reputation. But so far, it has been frustrating for them. They have not found anything to use against me.
“So they are now going to lower-level officers who worked with me, trying to convince them to implicate me in exchange for having their problems resolved,” he said.
El-Rufai also criticized the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), contrasting it with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The ICPC is now a charade. The EFCC is more professional,” he remarked.
Defending his integrity, he maintained that he had never misappropriated public funds.
“I swear to you and to God, I have not taken a penny that I was not supposed to. In fact, as governor, my deputy and I donated 50% of our entitlements, and I have records to prove it.”
El-Rufai concluded by alleging that Ribadu’s ultimate ambition is to become Nigeria’s president and that he is working to eliminate northern politicians who could pose a challenge.
“Ribadu wants to be President of Nigeria, and his plan is to eliminate every Northerner who appears to be competition,” he asserted.
