Arewa Youths Warn El-Rufai's Detention Threatens 2027 Elections

The Arewa Youths coalition has raised alarms regarding the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, warning that if such political intimidation continues, the 2027 general elections may be Nigeria's last. During a press briefing, the group demanded El-Rufai's immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

They accused the federal government of targeting opposition voices and allowing politically connected individuals to evade corruption investigations. The coalition highlighted that while El-Rufai faces scrutiny, other politicians, including those involved with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), do not experience similar treatment.

They asserted that the actions against El-Rufai are politically motivated and warned that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not change its approach, Nigeria could descend into military rule. The group called on northern political leaders and civil society organizations to oppose the increasing suppression of opposition figures, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when justice and fairness are upheld without political interference.