El-Rufai Reflects on Strained Relationships, Says He Holds No Grudge

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has spoken about the reactions of former associates, friends and family members to his current circumstances, saying he has no resentment towards those who have chosen not to support him.

El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, addressed the issue in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath”, published on his X handle on Wednesday.

The former governor said his decision over the years to stand by individuals and causes was guided by his faith, upbringing, personal convictions and conscience rather than expectations of appreciation 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.

According to him, people he had previously supported were entitled to determine how they would respond to his present situation.

“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 said.

He said he would not condemn anyone simply because their response differed from what he or others might have expected.

“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 said the difficulties he had experienced in recent months had prompted him to reassess some of the relationships in his life.

“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” El-Rufai said, adding that the experience might lead him to “reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”

He, however, stressed that such reflection should not be construed as an attack or condemnation of anyone.

“That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly,” he said.

Despite the experience, the former governor said he remained comfortable with the decisions he had made when he believed they were morally right.

“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.

On what he described as possible injustice, ingratitude or injury against him, El-Rufai said he would leave the matter to divine judgment rather than pursue revenge.

“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,” he said.

El-Rufai concluded by saying that his primary concern was to remain faithful to his conscience and maintain peace with Almighty Allah.

“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,” he said.