“I’ve Never Discussed Running for President in 2031, Says Nuhu Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has debunked rumours suggesting he is plotting a presidential bid for 2031.

Ribadu stated that all his focus is directed towards the advancement of Nigeria and success of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Ribadu’s statement follows El-Rufai’s claims that Ribadu is behind a plot to tarnish his reputation.

In an interview with Arise TV, El-Rufai had claimed that Ribadu, with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was orchestrating a smear campaign against him, allegedly driven by Ribadu’s supposed ambition to vie for the presidency in 2031.

Ribadu, while debunking the claims, urged El-Rufai to allow him focus on his national assignment.

The NSA in a statement on X handle on Tuesday, February 25 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.

“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.”