As the political drama unfolds, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has thrown his weight behind Naja’atu Mohammed, confirming her claim that National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu once accused President Bola Tinubu of being “the most corrupt politician” during a 2006 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
El-Rufai, known for his outspoken nature, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, stating that Ribadu “must have serious amnesia” for denying his past remarks. He further asserted that official government records could substantiate the allegations.
The controversy erupted after Ribadu, through his lawyer Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), demanded a public apology and retraction from Naja’atu over a viral TikTok video in which she reiterated the 2006 allegations against Tinubu. However, Mohammed refused, boldly challenging the NSA to take her to court instead.
El-Rufai, siding with Naja’atu, stated:
> “Naja’atu’s statement is accurate. The records of the Senate proceedings confirm that Nuhu Ribadu made those statements in 2006.”
To support his claim, he shared a 2007 newspaper report detailing the alleged corruption accusations and noted that the Federal Executive Council’s conclusions from 2006—which he said could be subpoenaed—also contained the same allegations.
While El-Rufai’s remarks have reignited scrutiny on Tinubu’s past, they have not shielded him from his own corruption allegations. A prominent APC stakeholder in Kaduna, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the Tinubu government remains focused on the ongoing investigation into El-Rufai’s alleged mismanagement of Kaduna State’s resources.
> “This cannot distract Nigerians from the probe into El-Rufai’s handling of Kaduna’s funds. The investigation has already started,” the APC chieftain stated.
Naja’atu Mohammed, unwavering in her stance, accused Ribadu of conveniently shifting loyalties, stating:
> “Just because the statement was made years ago doesn’t mean it should be forgotten. Has Ribadu ever retracted his comment against Tinubu?”
She further suggested that Ribadu’s new position as NSA had compromised his past convictions.
As the controversy deepens, it appears that the battle lines are drawn—with El-Rufai and Naja’atu standing firm against the NSA. However, with El-Rufai himself facing a corruption probe, the question remains: Is this a fight for justice or a political counterattack?
PIONEER NEWS 