El-Rufai Sends Message To Those Who Abandoned Him

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has addressed the quiet stance of some of his former colleagues, associates, and family members amid his ongoing legal and political challenges, declaring that he harbors neither hatred nor resentment toward those who have chosen not to stand by him.

The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory expressed his views in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026, and shared across his social media platforms.

El-Rufai explained that throughout his career, he supported individuals and public causes based on his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values, and conscience, rather than an expectation of praise or future 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.

The former governor noted that those he helped in the past are entirely free to choose how they navigate his current situation, acknowledging that some may speak, remain silent, or even distance themselves from past connections.

“Those I have supported are free to make their own choices now that circumstances are reversed. Some may speak; others may remain silent. Others may even deny our relationship or try rewriting history,” he said.

He added,“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.”

Reflecting on his experiences in recent months, El-Rufai admitted that trial and adversity have provided clarity on the true nature of his personal and political networks.

“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” El-Rufai stated, adding that the experience might prompt him to “reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”

However, he emphasized that evaluating these ties should not be seen as a sign of bitterness.

“That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly,” he said.

Reaffirming his core principles, the former governor stated that he has no regrets over his past actions and will not allow the behavior of others to alter his values.

“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.

Regarding any perceived betrayal, ingratitude, or mistreatment, El-Rufai stressed that he would not seek retaliation.

“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter,” he said.

Concluding his reflection, the elder statesman stated that his primary focus remains keeping his conscience clear before God.

“In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit. My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah,” he said.