El-Rufai Reflects on Loyalty, Says No Resentment for Those Who Left Him

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has broken his silence concerning the lack of support from some of his erstwhile colleagues, friends, and family amidst his current circumstances. He made it clear that he harbors neither animosity nor ill-will towards those who have chosen not to stand by him during this period. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory articulated these thoughts in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” which he disseminated via his X social media handle on Wednesday.

El-Rufai elaborated that his long-standing commitment to supporting individuals and causes was always guided by his Islamic faith, his Arewa upbringing, deeply ingrained personal values, and his conscience, rather than any expectation of praise, gratitude, or reciprocal actions. He stated, “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.”

The former governor emphasized that those he once supported are now at liberty to decide how they will react to his present situation. He noted that some might choose to speak out, others might maintain silence, and some could even distance themselves from past associations. El-Rufai quoted, “Those I have supported are free to make their own choices now that circumstances are reversed. Some may speak; others may remain silent. Others may even deny our relationship or try rewriting history.” He further added, “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.”

El-Rufai also disclosed that his experiences in recent months have prompted him to reflect deeply on the nature of some of his relationships. He remarked, “Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” suggesting that this period might lead him to “reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”

He was quick to stress that such introspection should not be misconstrued as a form of condemnation. “That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly,” he affirmed.

El-Rufai maintained that he holds no regrets for championing individuals or causes when he genuinely believed it was the right course of action. He added that he would not permit the choices of others to sway the guiding principles that have shaped his life. He unequivocally declared, “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.”

Regarding any perceived injustice, ingratitude, or harm directed towards him, the former governor stated that he would not seek revenge or retribution. He concluded, “As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter.”

El-Rufai concluded his statement by asserting that his paramount concern is to maintain inner peace with his conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah. He stated, “In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit. My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah.”