“2027 May Be Nigeria’s Last Election” — Arewa Youths Warn Over El-Rufai’s Detention

The Coalition of Arewa Youth Groups has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s political future, warning that the 2027 general election could be the country’s last if what it described as political intimidation and selective justice continue.

The group issued the warning during a press briefing while demanding the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The coalition accused the federal government of targeting opposition voices while allegedly allowing other politically connected individuals facing corruption investigations to move freely.

According to the group, El-Rufai’s continued detention has triggered growing anger among many northern youths and political stakeholders who believe the action is politically motivated.

The Arewa youths argued that several former governors currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have not faced similar treatment. They noted that some of these politicians are still active in politics and are even contesting for positions under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the briefing, the group warned that the country is moving in a dangerous direction.

“If things continue to happen like this in Nigeria, 2027 might be our last attempt to have an election, because if we don’t fight APC the evil in it, we are going to be worse than the military rules.

“So I would like to call on our Northern brothers, especially those from Kaduna that we must rise up. We must resist Governor Uba Sani’s attempt to make Kaduna a one-party system.

“The arrest of Nasir El-Rufai will not stop us from our plans and our mission of sending this government back to where they belong. President Bola Tinubu must go back to Lagos, while Governor Uba Sani might follow him as well,” the group said.

The coalition also called on northern political leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to speak up against what it described as increasing suppression of opposition figures.

They insisted that democracy can only survive when justice is fair and institutions operate without political interference.