El-Rufai Laments Silence of Friends, Ex-Colleagues Amid Legal, Political Troubles

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reflected on the silence of some of his former colleagues, friends and associates amid his ongoing legal and political challenges, saying he does not resent those who have chosen not to support him publicly.

El-Rufai made the remarks in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026, in which he reflected on relationships and the conduct of people he had supported over the years.

The former governor said he had stood by friends, colleagues, family members and causes he believed in, sometimes at considerable personal cost.

He explained that his actions were guided by his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience, rather than expectations of praise, gratitude or reciprocity.

El-Rufai said those he had previously supported were equally free to decide how they would respond to his current circumstances.

He acknowledged that some might speak out in his support, while others could remain silent or distance themselves from relationships they previously shared with him.

According to him, the reasons behind such decisions belonged to the individuals involved, and he did not wish to judge them simply because their responses differed from what he or others might have expected.

The former governor said difficult circumstances had a way of revealing the nature of relationships and could influence how people reassessed those relationships.

He added that his experiences over the past few months might cause him to quietly reconsider some relationships and what people who look up to him expect from those relationships.

El-Rufai, however, stressed that his reflection should not be interpreted as condemnation or reproach.

He said he had no regrets about standing by people or supporting causes whenever he believed doing so was right.

He also said he bore no resentment towards those who had chosen not to reciprocate his support, insisting that he would rather remain faithful to the principles that had guided his conduct.

On the challenges he currently faces, El-Rufai said he would not seek revenge or retribution for any injustice, ingratitude or injury.

He said ultimate accountability belonged to Almighty Allah and that he would leave judgment to Him.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings, including a case involving alleged unlawful telephone interception. A Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule on his no-case submission on October 26.

He concluded by saying his priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and with Almighty Allah.