ATIKU’S AIDE ALLEGES RIBADU WAS QUIETLY SIDELINED UNDER TINUBU OVER US VISIT

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By;Ganiyat Sunmola

Paul Ibe, media aide to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has been quietly sidelined by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The allegation comes amid growing reactions to the appointment of retired Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, a move that has sparked debate among Nigerians about a possible overlap or replacement of the NSA’s role.

In a post shared on his X handle on Wednesday, Ibe claimed there was an emerging rift within the presidency, suggesting that Ribadu’s office may have been gradually weakened or edged out.

He also linked the situation to Ribadu’s recent trip to the United States, where the NSA reportedly met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to Ibe, the development signalled deeper political tensions, claiming Ribadu’s visit and its publicity may have contributed to the alleged fallout.

He wrote that “NSA Nuhu Ribadu has been quietly sidelined,” adding that recent appointments and events indicated internal disagreements within the administration.

Ibe further suggested that Ribadu’s efforts to publicise his U.S. engagements may have worsened tensions, especially given restrictions around presidential foreign visits.

The claims have continued to generate political discussions, though no official response has confirmed any rift within the presidency.