I Don’t Resent Those Who Abandoned Me” — El-Rufai Speaks On His Past
I Don’t Resent Those Who Abandoned Me” — El-Rufai Speaks On His Past
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said he bears no resentment towards former associates, friends and colleagues who have chosen to remain silent or distance themselves from him during his current difficulties.
According to Ireporter Online, El-Rufai made the remarks in a personal statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23, 2026, in which he reflected on the reactions of people he had previously supported or maintained close relationships with.
The former governor said his decision to stand by individuals and causes over the years was guided by his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience, rather than an expectation that those he supported would reciprocate.
El-Rufai said he had stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes under difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost, because he considered it the right thing to do.
He acknowledged that people he had previously supported were equally free to decide how they would respond to his present circumstances. According to him, some may speak out in his support, while others may remain silent, distance themselves or take a different position.
“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.
El-Rufai said the difficulties he had experienced in recent months had also provided an opportunity to reassess some of his relationships.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” he said, adding that the experience could lead him to reconsider certain relationships “quietly and without regret.”
He stressed, however, that such reassessment should not be interpreted as an attack or condemnation of anyone, describing it instead as part of gaining a clearer understanding of people and relationships.
The former governor maintained that he had no regrets about supporting people or causes whenever he believed doing so was right.
“I bear no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for me,” El-Rufai said.
He added that he would rather remain faithful to the principles that had guided his conduct than allow the actions of others to change his values.
On any perceived injustice, ingratitude or injury he may have suffered, El-Rufai said he was not interested in seeking revenge or retribution.
“Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter,” he said.
El-Rufai said everyone would ultimately have to live with the consequences of their decisions, while future generations would form their own judgments about the events.
He concluded by saying that his priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and with Almighty Allah.
