El-Rufai Opens Up On Friends Who Went Silent During His Toughest Moments

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

El-Rufai made his position known in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026, in which he reflected on the relationships he has built over the years and how difficult circumstances have affected some of them.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the former governor said his decision to support people and causes throughout his public life was based on his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience rather than an expectation that such support would eventually be returned.

El-Rufai explained that he stood by people because he believed it was the right thing to do, including at times when doing so came with personal costs. He said those decisions were freely made and that he remained responsible for them.

Addressing those who have remained silent during his current difficulties, El-Rufai acknowledged that people were entitled to make their own choices. He said some could decide to speak out in his support, while others might remain silent or distance themselves from relationships they previously shared.

The former governor said he did not intend to judge people simply because their reactions differed from what he or others might have expected. He maintained that everyone had the right to determine how they would respond to his present circumstances.

El-Rufai also reflected on the effect of adversity on relationships, saying difficult periods can reveal aspects of relationships that may not have been apparent during easier times. He said his experiences in recent months could lead him to quietly reconsider some relationships, but stressed that such reflection should not be interpreted as condemnation.

He said the process was simply part of gaining a clearer understanding of people and life, adding that he had no regrets about standing by individuals or causes whenever he genuinely believed it was right to do so.

The former governor further stated that he bore no resentment towards those who had chosen not to reciprocate the support he had previously offered them. Instead, he said he would rather remain faithful to the principles that had guided his conduct than allow the actions of others to change his own values.

El-Rufai also ruled out seeking revenge or retribution over what he described as any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to him. He said he was leaving ultimate accountability to Almighty Allah.

His comments come amid ongoing legal proceedings involving him. The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on his no-case submission in the trial over allegations that he unlawfully intercepted telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the amended five-count charge.

He is also challenging the search of his Abuja residence in a separate fundamental-rights case, with proceedings scheduled to continue on October 27. The Federal Government and the agencies involved have disputed his claims and maintained that the search was lawfully conducted as part of an investigation.

El-Rufai concluded his statement by stressing that his priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and with Almighty Allah, rather than allow his present circumstances or the reactions of others to determine his principles.