The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria (JAMN) has sharply criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his involvement in the ongoing dispute between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and political activist Hajiya Najatu Mohammed.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by JAMN Chairman Lawal Sani Ningi and Secretary Deborah Kantiok, the group described El-Rufai as “unfit” to intervene in matters requiring statesmanship and credibility.
“This intervention serves as a stark reminder of El-Rufai’s unfitness for any position that demands statesmanship, credibility, or sound judgment. His unsolicited comments, marked by derogatory language and a blatant disregard for factual integrity, reveal a man more concerned with self-aggrandizement and political maneuvering than with fostering constructive dialogue or pursuing the truth,” the statement read.
The controversy stems from allegations made by Najatu Mohammed in a viral TikTok video, where she claimed that Ribadu, during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had vowed to obstruct the political ambitions of prominent figures such as Bola Tinubu, George Akume, and Orji Kalu, labeling them among the most corrupt in Nigeria. Ribadu has since challenged Mohammed to provide concrete evidence to support her claims, warning of possible legal consequences for spreading unverified accusations.
Rather than addressing the core allegations, JAMN accused El-Rufai of resorting to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric in his defense of Mohammed’s claims.
“In a troubling turn of events, Nasir El-Rufai has chosen to enter this debate, ostensibly in support of Najatu’s claims. His actions, however, do not address the substance of the allegations or the urgent call for evidence. Instead, he has resorted to personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric,” JAMN stated.
The group criticized El-Rufai for relying on outdated newspaper clippings to support Mohammed’s allegations, arguing that such materials fail to provide concrete evidence linking Ribadu to the claims.
“Notably, these clippings do not substantiate the claim that Ribadu specifically labeled the individuals mentioned as the most corrupt governors in Nigeria. This is emblematic of a political figure prioritizing personal vendettas over objective analysis and responsible public discourse,” the group said.
JAMN also pointed to El-Rufai’s own legal challenges, including reports of financial irregularities during his tenure as governor, suggesting that his public involvement in the dispute could be an attempt to divert attention from his personal issues.
“His public support for Najatu Mohammed appears strategically timed, potentially serving as a distraction from his own legal challenges. By aligning himself with a controversial claim, El-Rufai risks further eroding his credibility and prioritizing political expediency over truth and accountability,” the statement added.
The group went further to question El-Rufai’s political track record, accusing him of ethical inconsistencies, betrayal, and a pattern of behavior unbecoming of a statesman.
“Moreover, the embarrassment of El-Rufai seeking a ministerial appointment, only to have his candidacy withdrawn amid ethical concerns, underscores his refusal to accept accountability for his questionable record. Instead of reflecting on his past actions, he has chosen a path of confrontation and unsubstantiated claims against the very administration that deemed him unfit for public service,” JAMN said.
The group urged Nigerians to disregard El-Rufai’s remarks, dismissing them as attempts to regain political relevance.
“The Joint Action Movement of Nigeria urges the public to critically assess El-Rufai’s pronouncements, viewing them not as insightful analysis but as the desperate cries of a discredited figure clinging to irrelevance. We call upon the citizens of Nigeria to focus on substantive issues and engage in discourse that is grounded in truth and accountability, unburdened by the noise of self-serving rhetoric,” the statement concluded.
