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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has broken his silence on the apparent withdrawal of some friends, associates and family members, saying he bears no resentment against those who have chosen not to stand by him amid his current circumstances.
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El-Rufai said he had stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but never did so expecting gratitude, praise or reciprocal loyalty.
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The former governor said adversity had provided him with a clearer understanding of some relationships and could make him reconsider the nature of certain associations.
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El-Rufai said he would neither seek revenge nor retribution for any injustice, ingratitude or injury, leaving ultimate accountability to Almighty Allah and declaring that his overriding concern was to remain at peace with his conscience.
September 25, (THEWILL) – Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has broken his silence on the apparent withdrawal of some friends, associates and family members from him, saying he bears no grudge against those who have chosen not to stand by him in his current circumstances.
El-Rufai, in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath”, posted on X, said he had received concerns over the silence of some people with whom he had been closely associated or whom he had supported publicly in the past.
The former governor said he had spent years standing by people and causes he believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost.
He, however, stressed that his support had never been motivated by an expectation of gratitude, praise or reciprocity.
“Over the years, I have stood by people and for causes I believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost. I did so not in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity, but because I believed it was right”, he said.
‘Adversity Has A Way Of Illuminating Relationships’
El-Rufai said those he had supported in the past were entitled to decide how they wanted to respond to his present circumstances.
According to him, while some might speak out, others could remain silent, distance themselves from him or even attempt to redefine their previous relationships.
“Some may speak; others may remain silent. Others may even deny our relationship or try rewriting history. Their reasons are their own, and I do not wish to judge them merely because their response differs from what others—or even I—might have expected”, he stated.
The former governor said his experience had nevertheless given him an opportunity to reassess some relationships.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” El-Rufai said, adding that the lessons from the experience could cause him to “reconsider the nature of certain relationships.”
He, however, stressed that such reconsideration should not be construed as condemnation of those involved.
“That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly”, he noted.
No Regret Over Supporting Others
El-Rufai said he remained unapologetic about the support he had given to people and causes whenever he believed doing so was right. He said the conduct of others would not change the principles that had guided his own decisions.
“I have no regrets about standing by people or for causes when I believed it was right to do so, and I bear no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for me”, he said.
The former governor’s comments come against the backdrop of a period of political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election, during which several political figures have repositioned themselves and relationships within Nigeria’s political establishment have continued to shift.
El-Rufai, once a prominent figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has moved into the opposition camp and recently assumed a prominent role in the emerging political structure of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027, recently named El-Rufai Deputy Chairman of his National Campaign Council, with Kashim Ibrahim-Imam as chairman.
The development followed El-Rufai’s growing involvement in opposition political activities and consultations ahead of the next presidential election.
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‘I Seek Neither Revenge Nor Retribution’
While acknowledging that he may have experienced what he described as injustice, ingratitude or injury, El-Rufai said he would not respond with retaliation.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution”, he said.
He said he would instead leave ultimate judgement to God.
“Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter”, he added.
The former governor also said the choices people make during difficult moments would ultimately form part of their legacy.
“In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit”, he noted.
El-Rufai said his personal priority was not to force others to demonstrate loyalty but to remain at peace with his own conscience.
“My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah”, he concluded.
Background
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023 after previously serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He was one of the influential figures within the APC during the administrations of former President Muhammadu Buhari and played a prominent role in national political affairs.
His relationship with the ruling party has subsequently changed, particularly amid disagreements over political developments and the direction of the party.
His recent alignment with opposition forces has placed him at the centre of preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
His appointment as deputy chairman of Atiku’s campaign council has further formalised his role in the opposition’s emerging political structure.
Against that political backdrop, El-Rufai’s latest statement does not identify the individuals whose silence prompted the concerns he referenced. Rather, he frames the issue as a broader reflection on loyalty, personal relationships and how people respond when circumstances change.
The former governor said support given out of conviction should not be treated as a transaction, and the absence of reciprocal support should not determine the principles by which he conducts himself.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
