El-Rufai Speaks From ICPC Detention, Says He Bears No Grudge Against Silent Friends, Associates
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has broken his silence over the apparent abandonment by some friends, political associates and family members he supported in the past, declaring that he bears no resentment towards anyone who has chosen to remain silent during his present difficulties.
In a statement dated September 23, 2026, titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” reportedly written while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), El-Rufai reflected on loyalty, friendship, adversity and the lessons he has learned from his current circumstances.
The former governor acknowledged concerns expressed by some people over the silence of individuals with whom he had maintained close relationships and whom he had publicly supported over the years.
“Throughout my life, I have tried to do what I could for my colleagues and friends, my family and humanity at large guided by my Islamic faith, my Arewa upbringing, my personal values and, above all, my conscience,” he stated.
El-Rufai explained that his decision to stand by friends and associates, sometimes at considerable personal cost, was motivated by his convictions rather than any expectation of gratitude or reciprocal support.
“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.
He maintained that those he had supported were equally entitled to make their own decisions now that circumstances had changed, including choosing to remain silent or distance themselves from him.
“Some may speak; others may remain silent. Others may even deny our relationship or try rewriting history. 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,” he added.
The former governor said his experiences in recent months had given him a clearer understanding of certain relationships and could influence how he relates to some individuals in the future.
He, however, stressed that reconsidering such relationships should not be interpreted as condemnation or an expression of bitterness.
El-Rufai further declared that he had no regrets about his past decisions and would not allow the conduct of others to change the principles that had guided his life.
He also ruled out seeking revenge against anyone he believes may have wronged him, insisting that ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah.
The statement comes amid El-Rufai’s continued detention by the ICPC over corruption allegations. He has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him, while related legal proceedings remain before the courts.
El-Rufai concluded by emphasising that everyone must ultimately live with their decisions and face the judgment of posterity.
He maintained that his priority remains preserving his conscience and his relationship with Almighty Allah, regardless of how friends, family members or former political associates respond to his present circumstances.
