El-Rufai talks about friends who left him during tough times

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai spoke to the public on Wednesday about his current situation and the silence of many close friends, colleagues, and family members he supported in the past.

The former governor is in detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over corruption claims. He shared a statement on Facebook titled "My Relationships and the Aftermath."

In his statement, El-Rufai said he is at peace with himself. He has chosen to show kindness and faith instead of bitterness, even though he feels abandoned by political allies and friends during his tough times.

He acknowledged that some former allies have expressed concern about how he has been left alone by those he once stood by. El-Rufai mentioned that his actions were based on principles, his Islamic beliefs, values, and personal conviction, not on expecting anything in return.

"Over the years, I have stood by people and for causes I believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost," El-Rufai wrote. "I did so not in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity, but because I believed it was right. Those were choices I made freely, and I remain answerable for them."

His comments came as social media users criticized his former colleagues, aides, and close friends. They accused these people of staying quiet about his situation despite their long-term relationships.

El-Rufai is facing prosecution by the ICPC mainly due to a 2024 report from the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report accused his administration from 2015 to 2023 of mismanaging public funds.

The ICPC has brought several charges against El-Rufai in federal and state courts. One charge claims he tapped the phone calls of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He insists that the case against him is politically motivated.

He is still in ICPC custody under court orders while his legal team fights against his ongoing detention.

Read below Mr El-Rufai’s full statement

My Relationships and the Aftermath, by Nasir A El-Rufai

Some have expressed concern at the apparent silence, in my present circumstances, of some of my colleagues, friends, and family members whom I have publicly supported or associated closely with in the past. My view on this is simple, and I want to share it now.

Throughout my life, I have tried to do what I could for my colleagues and friends, my family, and humanity at large. I have been guided by my Islamic faith, my Arewa upbringing, my personal values, and, above all, my conscience.

Over the years, I have stood by people and for causes I believed in, sometimes in tough situations and at great personal cost. I did it not to receive praise, gratitude, or anything in return, but because I believed it was the right thing to do. Those were choices I made freely, and I take responsibility for them.

Just like that, those I have supported are free to make their own choices now that things have changed. Some may speak; others may choose to stay silent. Some might even deny our relationship or try to change the story. Their reasons are theirs, and I do not judge them just because their response is different from what others, or even I, might expect.

Tough times can reveal the true nature of relationships. What I have learned in the past few months might lead me, quietly and without regret, to rethink some relationships and what those who look up to me expect from them. That is not a blame or judgment; it is simply part of understanding people and life better.

I have no regrets about supporting people or causes I believed in, and I hold no bitterness towards anyone who decides not to do the same for me. I would rather stay true to my principles than let the actions of others change them.

For any injustice, ungratefulness, or harm done to me, I do not seek revenge or punishment. Ultimate judgment belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that to Him, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and history will judge us as it sees fit. My only wish is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah., Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, 23/09/2026