Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said his experience with the legal challenges he has faced in recent months may lead him to quietly reconsider some of his relationships, particularly after some former colleagues, friends and associates remained silent.
El-Rufai made the remarks in a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath,” dated September 23 and published on X, as his legal battles continue.
He said the conduct of people he had previously supported had prompted reflection, but stressed that he did not intend to condemn those who had chosen not to publicly support him.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” El-Rufai said, adding that his experiences could change how he viewed certain relationships and the expectations attached to them.
The former governor said he had received concerns about the apparent silence of some people with whom he had been closely associated or whom he had publicly supported in the past.
He said he had stood by colleagues, friends, family members and causes he believed in, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but without expecting praise, gratitude or reciprocal support.
El-Rufai attributed those decisions to his faith, upbringing, personal values and conscience.
He nevertheless acknowledged that people he had previously supported were free to decide how they would respond to his present circumstances.
Some, he said, could speak publicly, while others might remain silent, distance themselves from previous relationships or take different positions.
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He said he did not wish to judge them merely because their choices differed from what he or others might have expected.
The personal reflection comes against the backdrop of multiple legal proceedings involving the former governor.
The ICPC confirmed in February 2026 that El-Rufai was in its custody in connection with an investigation. The commission subsequently obtained a court-authorised extension of his remand.
The commission later filed charges against him, including allegations relating to money laundering, abuse of office, fraud and the conversion or possession of public property.
In one Federal High Court case in Kaduna, the ICPC accused El-Rufai and another defendant of offences including abuse of office, money laundering and fraud. The allegations included the handling of naira and foreign-currency transactions while El-Rufai was governor. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
In a separate amended charge, the ICPC alleged that El-Rufai and another defendant were involved in an N8.68 billion CCTV contract and subsequent transactions involving funds allegedly suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The allegations remain matters for determination by the courts.
‘I bear no resentment’
Despite his criticism of the silence surrounding him, El-Rufai said he had no regrets about supporting people when he believed doing so was right.
He also said he would not seek revenge or retribution against anyone who had failed to support him.
The former governor said those who had benefited from his support were entitled to make their own choices, just as he remained responsible for the decisions he had made in the past.
He said his response to any perceived injustice or ingratitude would not be retaliation, adding that ultimate accountability belonged to God.
El-Rufai said his principal concern was therefore to remain at peace with his conscience and faith rather than allow the conduct of others to determine his own principles.
His comments represent a notable personal reflection from a former governor navigating several ongoing legal proceedings, while also signalling that the experience may alter some of his relationships going forward.