The Nigerian political panorama is rarely in need of intrigue, hypothesis, and high-stakes maneuvering. The newest storm facilities round Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s Nationwide Safety Adviser (NSA), and allegations made by his ‘former’ ally and buddy , Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the previous governor of Kaduna State.
El-Rufai has accused Ribadu of secretly positioning himself for a presidential bid in 2031, alleging that he’s working to eradicate key northern politicians forward of the elections. In an Come up TV interview , El-Rufai mentioned:
“Any individual desires to destroy my repute. Why? Nuhu Ribadu desires to be president in 2031. He has to eradicate each northerner that he thinks is on the radar.”
These allegations have sparked intense debate, given Ribadu’s present place because the NSA, one of the vital highly effective workplaces within the nation. The position calls for absolute loyalty to the sitting president, and any signal of non-public political ambition can be politically harmful.
Nevertheless, Ribadu has strongly denied the claims, dismissing any suggestion that he’s planning a presidential run in 2031. In his response, he acknowledged:
“For the avoidance of doubt, I need to put it on file that I’ve by no means mentioned working for president in 2031 with anyone.”
At current, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is within the second yr of his first time period and is broadly anticipated to hunt reelection for a second time period in 2027. If he secures victory, his administration would lengthen to 2031. Given this timeline, it appears untimely for anybody inside Tinubu’s inside circle—particularly somebody in as delicate a place because the NSA—to be plotting a presidential bid so early.
To be honest to Ribadu, each seasoned political observer is aware of he’s too clever and skilled to make such a politically reckless transfer. Launching a presidential marketing campaign whereas nonetheless serving in such a vital position would create pointless distractions, gasoline rivalries, and generate deep animosities throughout the authorities. It could additionally name his loyalty to Tinubu into query.
So why is Ribadu being linked to 2031?First, his shut relationship with President Tinubu has earned him the title of Tinubu’s golden boy (Dan Fulani). His repute as a disciplined, clever, skilled and competent chief makes him a pure contender in any dialogue about potential successors. In a political local weather the place future ambitions are sometimes rigorously managed behind closed doorways however broadly mentioned publicly by widespread individuals, any rising political determine will inevitably entice hypothesis.
Second, the political class understands that succession planning is at all times at play, even when it isn’t publicly acknowledged. Whereas Ribadu might not presently be campaigning for the presidency, political alternatives can come up unexpectedly. Nigerian politicians are recognized for his or her capacity to grab the second when the circumstances align, even when it was not initially of their plans.
Politics is unpredictable, and as we speak’s denials can rapidly change into tomorrow’s declarations. Whether or not or not Nuhu Ribadu harbors presidential ambitions, the truth is that he possesses the qualities of a robust contender—expertise, credibility, and proximity to energy. If the chance presents itself, would he take it?
Solely time will inform. However one factor is definite: the street to 2031 has already begun, and the political maneuvering will solely intensify within the coming years.
Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, zaymohd@yahoo.com, 08036070980
