El-Rufai speaks on silence of friends, associates during detention

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken about the silence of some of his former colleagues, friends, associates and family members while he faces ongoing legal challenges and remains in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai addressed the issue in a personal statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026.

The former governor said some people had expressed concern about the apparent silence of individuals he had previously supported or maintained close relationships with.

According to him, throughout his life, his actions towards friends, colleagues, family members and causes he believed in had been guided by his Islamic faith, his Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience.

He explained that he had supported people during difficult periods, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but said he never did so with the expectation that they would later repay the favour.

He noted that while some might speak publicly in his support, others could remain silent, while some could even distance themselves from or deny previous relationships.

The former governor said he did not intend to judge such people simply because their reactions differed from what he or others might have expected.

He, however, acknowledged that difficult circumstances had given him an opportunity to reflect on some of the relationships he had built over the years.

El-Rufai said his experiences during the past few months could lead him to quietly reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what people who look up to him should expect from such associations.

He stressed that such reflection should not be interpreted as a condemnation or direct reproach of anyone.

Rather, he said, the experience had helped him gain a clearer understanding of people and life.

Despite the situation, El-Rufai maintained that he had no regrets about standing by people or causes whenever he believed it was the right thing to do.

He also said he would not harbour resentment against anyone who had chosen not to extend similar support to him.

The former governor said he preferred to remain faithful to the principles that had guided his conduct instead of allowing the actions of others to change his own values.

He further stated that he was not seeking revenge or retribution for any perceived injustice, ingratitude or injury done to him.

According to El-Rufai, ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and he would leave such matters to divine judgment.

He concluded by saying that everyone would ultimately have to live with the choices they make, while posterity would judge their actions.

El-Rufai is currently facing legal proceedings arising from allegations against him. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has maintained that the cases against him are politically motivated. He remains in ICPC custody under court-authorised remand orders while his legal team challenges his continued detention.

His latest statement did not name any particular friend, associate or former political ally, but focused on his broader reflection on relationships and how people respond to one another during difficult periods.

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