A coalition of northern youth groups has alleged an ongoing plot to arrest prominent opposition figures from the region, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The coalition also demanded the immediate release of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who it claimed is being unfairly targeted.
Operating under the banner of the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, the group made the allegations on Sunday during a press conference held at Arewa House in Kaduna. It accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of allegedly using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate political opponents from Northern Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, the coalition’s secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, described the situation as a misuse of anti-corruption institutions for political ends.
“What we are witnessing is not an anti-corruption war but a calculated attempt to weaken and silence northern opposition leaders through selective investigations and intimidation,” Mohammed said.
He further alleged that the continued probe and detention of Malami, as well as reported pressure on members of his family, amounted to an abuse of state institutions.
“Targeting family members and associates is unacceptable in a democracy and only deepens public distrust in government,” he added.
The coalition also claimed that similar actions were allegedly being planned against other northern political figures, including El-Rufai, Kwankwaso and former Adamawa State governor, Jibrilla Bindow.
According to the group, the alleged actions form part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling an emerging opposition bloc ahead of future elections.
“There is a clear attempt to weaken and dismantle an emerging opposition bloc in the North ahead of future elections,” the coalition stated.
