Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai says he bears no resentment against friends, former colleagues and family members who have chosen to distance themselves from him amid his current circumstances.
Mr El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed this in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” posted on his X handle on Wednesday.
The former governor said his support for individuals and causes over the years was driven by his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal convictions 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.
According to him, people he had previously supported were free to decide how they would respond to his present circumstances.
He said that while some might speak in his support, others could remain silent or distance themselves from relationships they previously had with him.
“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.
Mr El-Rufai said he had no intention of judging people simply because their reactions differed from what he or others might have expected.
“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,” he said.
He said the experiences of the past few months had also prompted him to reassess some of his relationships.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” he said, adding that the experience could make him “reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”
However, Mr El-Rufai stressed that such reflection should not be interpreted as condemnation of those involved.
“That is neither reproach nor condemnation; it is simply part of seeing people, and life, more clearly,” he said.
The former governor maintained that he had no regrets about supporting people or causes whenever he believed it 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.
On what he described as injustice, ingratitude or injury against him, El-Rufai said he would not seek revenge or retribution.
“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.
Mr El-Rufai said his ultimate priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and 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.