Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai says he bears no resentment towards former colleagues, friends and associates who have remained silent or distanced themselves from him amid his ongoing legal and political difficulties.
El-Rufai made the remarks in a personal statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath”, dated September 23, 2026, in which he reflected on the changing nature of some of his relationships during the difficult period.
The former governor said he had supported people and causes he believed in over the years, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but maintained that his actions were not motivated by expectations of praise, gratitude or repayment.
According to El-Rufai, the decision to support others was based on his personal convictions, faith, values and conscience.
El-Rufai Reflects on Silence of Former Associates
El-Rufai’s statement followed concerns expressed by some supporters about the apparent silence of people who had previously maintained close relationships with him or whom he had supported publicly.
He acknowledged that some former associates could choose to speak publicly in his support, while others could remain silent or distance themselves.
Rather than condemning those choices, El-Rufai said he preferred to allow individuals to make their 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 in the statement.
He added that difficult circumstances had given him an opportunity to reassess certain relationships, while stressing that such reflection should not be interpreted as an attack on those involved.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” El-Rufai said, according to the statement.
The former governor said the experience of the past few months could lead him to reconsider some relationships “quietly and without regret”.
He nevertheless maintained that he would not allow the conduct of other people to alter the principles that had guided his own decisions.
No Regrets Over Past Support
El-Rufai said his support for colleagues, friends and causes over the years was based on his belief that such actions were right, rather than an expectation that those individuals would eventually reciprocate.
He said those decisions were freely made and that he remained responsible for them.
The former governor also acknowledged that people he had previously supported were entitled to respond differently now that their circumstances had changed.
His position, he said, was not to judge individuals simply because their present response differed from what he or others might have expected.
The statement therefore presents El-Rufai’s position as one of personal reflection rather than a direct call for confrontation with former associates.
Legal Troubles Continue
El-Rufai’s comments come as he continues to face legal proceedings in Nigeria.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has brought corruption-related cases against the former governor. The commission has accused him and other defendants in separate proceedings of offences including abuse of office, money laundering and fraud. El-Rufai has disputed allegations against him.
The ICPC has also previously said that El-Rufai remained in its custody under a court-authorised remand order in connection with its investigation.
Separately, El-Rufai is facing a five-count amended charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) relating to alleged unlawful interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
On September 22, the Federal High Court in Abuja fixed October 26, 2026, to rule on El-Rufai’s no-case submission. His defence argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case requiring him to enter a defence, while the DSS opposed the application and urged the court to order him to defend himself.
The court’s decision on the no-case submission will determine the next procedural stage of that particular trial.
El-Rufai Rejects Revenge
Beyond his comments about former associates, El-Rufai said he was not seeking revenge or retribution over what he considers injustice, ingratitude or injury.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution,” he said, adding that ultimate accountability belonged to Almighty Allah.
He said his focus was instead on remaining at peace with his conscience and maintaining the principles that had guided his conduct.
The former governor also said that individuals would ultimately have to live with the consequences of their own choices, while posterity would form its own assessment of events.
What Happens Next
For El-Rufai, the immediate outlook remains tied to the legal proceedings before Nigerian courts.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to rule on October 26 on his no-case submission in the DSS case. The outcome will determine whether the court requires him to proceed with his defence or allows the application to halt the proceedings at that stage.
His separate legal battles involving the ICPC also remain ongoing.
Meanwhile, his latest statement places emphasis on personal reflection rather than retaliation against former political associates and friends. He has acknowledged that the experience may influence how he views some relationships in the future, while insisting that he does not regret decisions he made when he believed they were right.
For readers following Nigeria’s political and legal landscape, the statement offers a direct account of how the former Kaduna governor says he is approaching the changing relationships surrounding him while his court cases continue.
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Sources
- Premium Times — report on El-Rufai’s statement, September 24, 2026.
- Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — official statements on proceedings involving El-Rufai.
- Channels Television — report on the Federal High Court’s October 26 ruling date in the DSS case.
- Punch — report on the no-case submission and court proceedings.
