Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has spoken out about the silence of some of his former colleagues, friends, and family members amid his current circumstances. In a statement titled "My Relationships and the Aftermath", released on his X handle on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, El-Rufai said he bears neither hatred nor resentment toward those who have chosen not to stand by him. He emphasized that he had supported people and causes over the years based on his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values, and conscience, rather than an expectation of praise or reciprocity.
El-Rufai stated that he had stood by people and for causes he believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost. He said he did so not in expectation of praise, gratitude, or reciprocity, but because he believed it was right. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory noted that those he had supported were free to decide how they would respond to his present circumstances, and that some might speak, remain silent, or even distance themselves from previous relationships.
El-Rufai acknowledged that some of those he had supported might deny their relationship or try rewriting history. He said their reasons were their own, and he did not wish to judge them merely because their response differed from what others—or even he—might have expected. The former governor emphasized that his experiences in recent months had caused him to reflect on some of his relationships, adding that adversity has a way of illuminating relationships.
El-Rufai stated that the experience might lead him to "reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them." He stressed that such reflection should not be interpreted as condemnation, but rather as part of seeing people and life more clearly. The former governor emphasized that he had no regrets about supporting people or causes when he believed it was right to do so.
El-Rufai added that he would not allow the actions of others to change the principles that had guided him. He said he had no regrets about standing by people or for causes when he believed it was right to do so, and he bore no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for him. On any perceived injustice, ingratitude, or injury against him, the former governor said he would not seek revenge.
El-Rufai emphasized that ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and he leaves judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter. He concluded that his priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and with Almighty Allah. El-Rufai said that in the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit.
The statement was reported by Olugbenga Ige, a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. El-Rufai's statement was made on his X handle on Wednesday, and it has been widely reported in the media.
Key points
- Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai bears no hatred towards those who have abandoned him amid his current circumstances.
- El-Rufai supported people and causes based on his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values, and conscience.
- The former governor will not seek revenge for any perceived injustice, ingratitude, or injury against him.
