Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is “a very difficult person to advise,” says Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.
He made the statement on Tuesday during an appearance on Political Paradigm, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.
Baba-Ahmed urged El-Rufai to concentrate on clearing his name over corruption allegations rather than engaging in public feuds with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
“If I were to advise El-Rufai, there are only a few fronts you can fight on. Limit the damage and concentrate on clearing yourself of allegations that you stole money from the people,” Baba-Ahmed stated, adding that El-Rufai’s temperament makes him challenging to counsel.
He stressed that the accusations and counter-accusations between the two politicians should not be dismissed as mere political theatrics but should instead be subjected to judicial scrutiny.
“The straightforward approach is to put all these allegations on the table,” he said. “From corruption claims against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to accusations involving Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and even the issue of imported poisonous chemicals these are serious matters. They should be tested in court. We cannot dismiss them as politics.”
The face-off escalated after El-Rufai accused Ribadu of plotting his attempted detention at the Abuja airport, alleging that associates intercepted communications suggesting instructions were given to security operatives to arrest him.
El-Rufai further claimed that the NSA was influencing investigations by anti-corruption agencies and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for political purposes tied to a purported 2031 presidential ambition.
He also raised concerns about the reported procurement of thallium sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser, demanding clarification.
Ribadu has denied all allegations, maintaining that he has no presidential ambitions and that agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operate independently.
While expressing disappointment over the breakdown in their relationship, Baba-Ahmed described the situation as symptomatic of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s political culture.
“I am deeply saddened by this development,” he said. “I know both men and how strong their relationship once was. If a bond of that nature can deteriorate this badly, then we are facing serious problems. It is troubling to see two former allies threatening legal action against each other.”
Both El-Rufai and Ribadu were prominent figures during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a period when they forged a close professional and personal relationship that endured through El-Rufai’s tenure as.
