El-Rufai to Former Allies: I Forgive You, I Leave Judgment to Allah

By: Tunji Okunlola

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has spoken out about the reticence of some former associates, friends, and family members since his current troubles began, insisting he holds no bitterness toward those who have kept their distance.

In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” posted to his X account on Wednesday, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory explained that the support he has given to people and causes over the years was rooted in his Islamic faith, his Arewa background, and his personal principles not in any expectation of gratitude in return.

He said he had backed people and causes he believed in, often at real personal cost, doing so out of conviction rather than a desire for recognition or reciprocity.

El-Rufai acknowledged that those he had helped were now free to respond to his situation however they chose whether by speaking up, staying quiet, or even downplaying past ties. He said he would not fault anyone simply for reacting differently than expected, noting that their motives were their own to keep.

The former governor reflected that hardship tends to reveal the true nature of relationships, and said the experience had prompted him to reassess some of his connections and what people who look to him for support might actually expect from him. He was careful to frame this not as an accusation, but as a clearer way of understanding people and life in general.

He maintained that he has no regrets about the support he gave when he believed it was the right thing to do, and that he harbors no resentment toward those who haven’t extended the same loyalty to him.

Regarding any wrongs, ingratitude, or harm done to him, El-Rufai said he has no interest in retaliation, leaving ultimate judgment to Allah, both in this life and the next.

He closed by stating that his main concern going forward is to remain at peace with his own conscience and with his faith, trusting that history will deliver whatever verdict it deems appropriate.