

By Mahmoud
The relationship between Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, and Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), is a fascinating tale of power, politics, and contrasting personalities.
On the surface, they seem like an unlikely duo – El-Rufai, the outspoken and sometimes brash politician, and Ribadu, the soft-spoken and calculating security expert.
But beneath the surface, they share a complex bond that has been years in the making.
Their history dates back to El-Rufai’s tenure as Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Olusegun Obasanjo, where Ribadu was a rising star in the security establishment.
Over the years, they’ve navigated Nigeria’s treacherous political landscape, often finding themselves on opposite sides of the fence. Yet, their mutual respect and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses have kept them connected.
El-Rufai’s recent allegations of tapping Ribadu’s phone have sparked a media frenzy, but insiders say it’s just a symptom of a deeper game.
“They’re like two alpha males, always jockeying for position,” says a source close to the duo. “But at the end of the day, they understand each other’s motivations and limitations.”
Ribadu, known for his no-nonsense approach to security, has been a thorn in the side of many powerful Nigerians, including El-Rufai.
But the NSA’s silence on the matter speaks volumes about his strategy. “Ribadu knows El-Rufai is a force to be reckoned with,” says another source. “He’s not going to let emotions cloud his judgment.”
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: El-Rufai and Ribadu’s bond is rooted in their shared understanding of power and its intricacies. Whether their differing interests will ultimately drive them apart or bring them closer remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though – this is a game only they can play.
MAHMOUD Abdullah Muhammad wrote this piece, the Editor-in-chief of the The Northern Star online newspapers
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