Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said he holds no hatred or resentment towards former colleagues, friends and family members who have chosen not to support him amid his current circumstances.
El-Rufai, who also previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made the remarks in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath”, published on his X handle on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his relationships and the support he has offered people over the years, the former governor said his actions were guided by his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience rather than expectations of gratitude or reciprocity.
“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.
El-Rufai acknowledged that people he had previously supported were entitled to determine how they would respond to his present circumstances, noting that some could choose to speak out, remain silent or distance themselves from past relationships.
“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 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.”
The former governor said the challenges he has experienced in recent months had also prompted him to reassess some of his relationships.
“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 interpreted as condemnation of those whose responses had differed from his expectations.
“That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly,” he said.
El-Rufai maintained that he had no regrets about standing by individuals or causes whenever he believed doing so was the right thing to do.
“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.
Addressing any perceived injustice, ingratitude or injury against him, the former governor said he would not pursue revenge or retribution, leaving ultimate accountability to God.
“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 priority was to remain faithful to his conscience and maintain his relationship 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.
