El-Rufai Breaks Silence on Allies’ Silence: I Bear No Resentment, Leave Judgment to Allah

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has said he bears no resentment towards colleagues, friends and family members who have remained silent in his present circumstances despite his past support for them.

El-Rufai made this known in a personal statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” released on his X handle on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

In the statement, the former governor said some people had expressed concern over the apparent silence of some of his colleagues, friends and family members whom he had publicly stood by or closely associated with in the past.

He said his view of the situation was quite simple, explaining that throughout his life, he had tried to do what he could for his colleagues and friends, his family and humanity at large, guided by his Islamic faith, his Arewa upbringing, his personal values and, above all, his conscience.

El-Rufai noted that over the years, he had stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost, not in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity, but because he believed it was right.

“Those were choices I made freely, and I remain answerable for them,” he stated.

He said that, by the same token, those he had supported were free to make their own choices now that circumstances had reversed, adding that some might speak while others might remain silent. Others, he said, might even deny the relationship or try to rewrite history.

“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 former governor observed that adversity has a way of illuminating relationships, adding that what he had learned during difficult times, such as the past few months, might lead him, quietly and without regret, to reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those who look up to him expect of them.

He stressed that such reconsideration was neither reproach nor condemnation, but simply part of seeing people and life more clearly.

El-Rufai emphasised that he had no regrets about standing by people or causes when he believed it was right to do so and that he bore no resentment towards anyone who chose not to do the same for him.

“I would rather remain true to the principles that have guided my own conduct than allow the conduct of others to redefine them,” he added.

He further stated that, as for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to him, he sought neither revenge nor retribution, noting that ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah and that he leaves that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter.

“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,” El-Rufai concluded.