Former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai has defended Naja’atu Muhammad in her dispute with NSA Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him of amnesia. Muhammad alleged that Ribadu previously labeled Tinubu corrupt but now supports him. El-Rufai cited records to back her claim, challenging Ribadu’s denial.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has entered the ongoing dispute between National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and former Police Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Naja’atu Muhammad over claims that Ribadu once accused President Bola Tinubu of corruption.
The controversy erupted after Ribadu, through his lawyer, demanded a public retraction from Muhammad for her remarks in a viral TikTok video. In the video, Muhammad alleged that during his tenure as EFCC Chairman, Ribadu labeled Tinubu as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt governors but now serves in his administration. Ribadu denied ever making such statements and described the claim as defamatory.
El-Rufai has sided with Muhammad, dismissing Ribadu’s denial and suggesting he may be suffering from “serious amnesia.” He cited official records, including a 2006 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and Senate proceedings, to assert that Ribadu had indeed made such allegations. According to El-Rufai, documented reports and council records corroborate Muhammad’s claims.
Ribadu insists he never made the statements, calling the accusations baseless and damaging to his reputation. However, Muhammad has refused to apologize, maintaining that evidence of Ribadu’s past remarks is publicly available.
El-Rufai concluded by criticizing Ribadu’s stance, arguing that some issues demand speaking out rather than remaining silent. The dispute continues to spark public debate, with many questioning the implications of past political statements on current allegiances.
