In a revealing interview aired on Arise TV on Monday, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has leveled serious accusations against Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser (NSA). El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu is the mastermind behind a concerted effort to discredit his administration through investigations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly and Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption bodies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). According to El-Rufai, Ribadu is leveraging his influence to manipulate the incumbent Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as part of a broader scheme to tarnish his reputation.
The former governor did not mince words, claiming that Ribadu’s actions are politically motivated. “Ribadu is the architect behind my investigation and the attack on my commissioners,” El-Rufai stated. He further suggested that Ribadu’s ambitions extend far beyond his current role, asserting, “He wants to be the president in 2031, so he is determined to eliminate any of us who he sees as an obstacle to his ambition.” This bold accusation marks a significant escalation in what appears to be a deepening rift between two prominent figures within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Allegations of a Personal Vendetta
El-Rufai’s claims paint a picture of a calculated vendetta rooted in political rivalry. He revealed that he had recently received information suggesting Ribadu is actively pushing for his indictment. “Just last week, I got information that Ribadu is asking everyone to get me indicted by whatever means,” he disclosed during the interview. This, he argued, is part of a broader strategy to undermine his political standing and legacy after serving as Kaduna State Governor from 2015 to 2023.
The accusations come against the backdrop of a once-close relationship between the two men. El-Rufai and Ribadu were known to be friends and allies during the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, as well as in the years prior. However, their relationship has since deteriorated, with political differences driving a wedge between them. Despite both being members of the APC, their fallout has now spilled into the public domain, raising questions about unity within the party as the 2031 presidential race looms on the horizon.
Kaduna Assembly Indictment and Anti-Graft Probes
The controversy stems from a series of investigations targeting El-Rufai’s administration. The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted his government, alleging the mismanagement of approximately N400 billion during his eight-year tenure. The report has fueled scrutiny from the EFCC and ICPC, which are currently probing senior officials who served under El-Rufai for alleged fraud. Two of these officials are already facing prosecution, though all implicated parties have vehemently denied the charges, dismissing them as a politically motivated “witch hunt.”
El-Rufai has consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that the investigations are not about accountability but rather a deliberate attempt to smear his legacy. He has pointed to Ribadu as the hidden hand orchestrating these efforts, using Governor Uba Sani as a proxy to execute the alleged plot. The former governor’s narrative suggests a complex web of political maneuvering, with personal grudges and future ambitions at its core.
Strained Ties with APC Leadership
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, El-Rufai hinted at a possible exit from the APC during the Arise TV interview. He expressed frustration with the party’s leadership, specifically claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had blocked his path to serving in the current administration’s cabinet. “President Tinubu did not want me to serve in his cabinet,” El-Rufai remarked, signaling a growing disillusionment with the party he helped build.
This revelation underscores the former governor’s sense of isolation within the APC, a party he joined ahead of the 2015 elections after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His potential departure could have significant implications for the party’s cohesion, especially as it navigates internal rivalries and prepares for future electoral contests.
