Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai says the experience of facing legal proceedings and spending months in detention has caused him to reassess some of his personal relationships.
El-Rufai made the comments in a statement posted on X, reflecting on the silence of some colleagues, friends and family members whom he said he had previously supported or associated closely with.
The former governor said the experience had taught him lessons about relationships, while stressing that his decision to reconsider some relationships should not be interpreted as revenge or condemnation.
El-Rufai Questions Silence of Some Friends
El-Rufai said some people had expressed concern about the apparent silence of people close to him during his current circumstances.
“Some have expressed concern at the apparent silence, in my present circumstances, of some of my colleagues, friends and family members whom I have publicly stood by or associated closely with in the past,” he said.
He added that the lessons from the past few months could lead him to reconsider some relationships “quietly and without regret.”
The former governor said adversity can reveal the nature of relationships, suggesting that difficult circumstances had given him a different perspective on people around him.
He Says the Decision Is Not About Revenge
Despite expressing disappointment over the silence of some associates, El-Rufai said he did not intend to use his experience as a basis for retaliation.
He said his decision to reconsider certain relationships should be understood as a way of seeing people and life more clearly rather than as a reproach or condemnation.
El-Rufai also said he had consistently supported colleagues, friends, family members and causes he believed in, guided by his faith, upbringing, personal values and conscience.
According to him, he sometimes stood by people in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost without expecting praise, gratitude or anything in return.
‘I Bear No Resentment’
El-Rufai said the people he had supported were equally entitled to make their own decisions now that their circumstances had changed.
“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.
He also said he would not seek revenge or retribution over what he considers injustice, ingratitude or injury.
Instead, he said he had chosen to leave ultimate accountability to Almighty Allah.
What Is El-Rufai’s Current Legal Situation?
El-Rufai has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission since February 2026.
The ICPC said a court authorised his continued remand while investigations proceeded. In March, the commission said an initial 14-day remand order issued on February 19 had been extended by another 14 days on March 5.
Current reporting says his prosecution includes allegations relating to money laundering and other offences. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has disputed the case against him.
The ICPC has maintained that the matter should be determined through the courts rather than through media commentary.
El-Rufai Says He Will Focus on His Conscience
The former governor said his response to the situation would be guided by his faith rather than retaliation.
He said each person ultimately has to live with the choices they make and that history would judge those choices.
“My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah,” El-Rufai said.
His statement therefore combines a reflection on strained relationships with a broader message about faith, personal responsibility and how people respond to difficult circumstances.
What Happens Next?
El-Rufai’s legal battles remain ongoing, while his latest statement focuses primarily on his relationships rather than the details of the allegations against him.
His comments are likely to draw further attention because of his previous political relationships and his role in Nigerian politics.
For now, El-Rufai says he intends to focus on his conscience and faith while allowing the legal process and the passage of time to determine how the current circumstances develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did El-Rufai say he may reconsider some relationships?
El-Rufai said the apparent silence of some colleagues, friends and family members during his current difficulties had caused him to reassess certain relationships. He said the experience had given him a clearer perspective on people and life.
What did El-Rufai say about friends who remained silent?
He said he had previously stood by many people and causes without expecting praise or reciprocity. However, he acknowledged that those people were free to make their own choices and said he would not resent them for doing so.
Is El-Rufai currently in ICPC custody?
According to the ICPC, El-Rufai remains in custody under court-authorised remand orders connected to ongoing proceedings. The commission said his detention was authorised by a court.
What allegations is El-Rufai facing?
Current reporting identifies allegations including money laundering and other offences connected to his legal proceedings. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty and disputes the case against him.
Did El-Rufai threaten the people who remained silent?
No. In his statement, El-Rufai explicitly said he sought neither revenge nor retribution. He said he would leave ultimate accountability to Almighty Allah and focus on remaining at peace with his conscience and faith.
