…Faults Buhari’s receptiveness of Atiku, El-Rufai
The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM), has called for vigilance among Nigerians following the political alliances of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Lawal Nuhu Ahmed and made available to AljazirahNigeria at the weekend, described the recent admiration displayed by El-Rufai as perplexing, highlighting his vocal reservations against Abubakar in the past.
The Northern movement recalled several allegations that the former Kaduna governor heaped on Abubakar, discrediting his bid for political positions.
“This surprising shift in political rhetoric, which has seen El-Rufai, once a vociferous critic of Abubakar, now extending praises towards him, raises significant concerns about the integrity and consistency of his political relationships.
“In the past, El-Rufai did not mince words when it came to his criticisms of Abubakar. He labeled him a “liar” and accused him of harbouring an obsession for power,” as well as being “haunted by his corruption demon.”
“These statements were not mere political jabs; they were grounded in serious allegations that have followed Abubakar throughout his political career. El-Rufai’s previous assertions about Abubakar’s supposed involvement in financial misconduct and his controversial history, which allegedly led to his barring from the United States, were serious charges that resonated with many Nigerians,” the statement said.
The NVM questioned the authenticity of El-Rufai’s conviction displayed in his recent overtures of admiration towards Abubakar, adding that the sudden shift became alarming given El-Rufai’s own political challenges, including his fallout with President Bola Tinubu, over his ministerial nomination that was later thwarted by the Senate.
Such circumstances, according to the group, suggest that El-Rufai may be recalibrating his political alliances out of necessity rather than genuine respect or camaraderie.
“Recall also that in a memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai expressed his concerns about the state of the nation and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He highlighted the ailing economy, the lack of cohesion within the party, and the deteriorating relationship between the president and other party leaders. While these observations may hold merit, the timing and context of his newfound admiration for Abubakar and Buhari appear to be driven more by political expediency than a sincere change of heart,” the group further said.
The Northern Conscience Movement also expressed worries over Atiku Abubakar’s recent overtures towards former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite his previous allegations of Buhari’s involvement in the smuggling of looted funds, underscoring a complex and perhaps contradictory political manoeuvring.
The group said, “Abubakar’s recollection of the 1984 incident—where he, as the head of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, intercepted 53 suitcases allegedly linked to Buhari’s aide—serves as a critical reminder of the historical context that shapes contemporary political narratives.
“Abubakar’s assertion that Buhari’s administration has exacerbated corruption, thereby undermining efforts against terrorism in the Northeast, raises pertinent questions about accountability and governance. Ultimately, the juxtaposition of past actions and current alliances reveals a troubling paradox in Nigerian politics, where the line between accountability and opportunism often blurs, leaving citizens to discern the truth amidst a cacophony of conflicting narratives.”
The NCM advised Young Nigerians, particularly Millennials, to revisit this episode to understand the deep-seated issues of corruption that continue to plague Nigeria.
The Northern Conscience Movement critiqued the engagement between Elrufai and prominent PDP figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Tambuwal, in their outreach to President Buhari – a unifying move against President Tinubu for the 2027 elections.
They described the action as a disingenuous one that undermines the integrity of political discourse in the region.
They further faulted Buhari’s receptiveness to this coalition, deeming it insensitive given the prevailing political tensions.
“Such actions may exacerbate divisions rather than foster genuine collaboration, highlighting the complexities of Northern Nigerian politics in an increasingly polarized landscape.
“The NCM believes that such political manoeuvring undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that are desperately needed in Nigeria.
“The evolution of El-Rufai’s rhetoric illustrates how personal interests can eclipse previously held convictions, leading to alliances that many would deem improbable. This phenomenon is not unique to El-Rufai; it is symptomatic of a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where ideological consistency is frequently sacrificed at the altar of power and influence.
“We caution against interpreting El-Rufai’s newfound admiration as a genuine reconciliation.
“We urge all citizens to remain engaged and critical of the political discourse in Nigeria. It is only through active participation and scrutiny that we can foster a political environment that truly reflects the will and aspirations of the people,” the statement added.
