The former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, is orchestrating a plot to destroy his reputation.

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday night, El-Rufai made it clear that his relationship with Ribadu had deteriorated.

“Ribadu is not my friend. We used to be friends,” he stated.

The former governor further claimed that Ribadu is strategically working to eliminate any Northern competition ahead of his presidential ambition.

“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.”

El-Rufai also criticized Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, comparing the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“The ICPC is now a charade. The EFCC is more professional.”

Reiterating his stance on financial integrity, he insisted 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 accused Ribadu of using political tactics to suppress Northern politicians who could challenge his ambitions.

“Ribadu wants to be President of Nigeria, and his plan is to eliminate every Northerner who appears to be competition.”

Political Tensions Rise Between El-Rufai and Ribadu

The feud between El-Rufai and Ribadu adds another layer of tension within the political landscape of Nigeria. With 2027 presidential elections on the horizon, political maneuvering within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond is becoming more evident.