By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A coalition of northern youth groups has raised alarm over what it described as an alleged plot to arrest prominent opposition figures from Northern Nigeria, including former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.The group, operating under the name Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference held at Arewa House in Kaduna. It accused the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of using anti-corruption agencies to intimidate and silence political opponents.
According to the coalition, the alleged plan is part of a broader clampdown on emerging opposition voices in the North ahead of future elections. It claimed that corruption allegations are being selectively deployed as a pretext for political repression. Briefing journalists, the coalition’s Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the group was deeply concerned about what it described as “targeted investigations” against influential northern political leaders.“What we are witnessing is not a genuine anti-corruption war but a calculated attempt to weaken and silence Northern opposition leaders through selective investigations and intimidation,” Mohammed stated.
He specifically mentioned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), whose continued probe and alleged detention, according to the coalition, exemplify the trend.The coalition demanded Malami’s immediate release, alleging that pressure was also being mounted on members of his family, a development it described as unacceptable in a democratic society.
“Targeting family members and associates is a dangerous abuse of state institutions and only deepens public distrust in governance,” Mohammed said.The group further alleged that similar actions were being planned against other high-profile northern politicians, including El-Rufai, Kwankwaso, and former Adamawa State Governor, Jibrilla Bindow.According to the coalition, these alleged moves suggest a deliberate effort to dismantle what it described as an emerging opposition bloc in the North.“There is a clear attempt to stifle dissent and dismantle opposition ahead of future political contests. This approach threatens democratic principles and national unity,” the statement added.The coalition called on civil society organisations, the international community, and democratic institutions to closely monitor the situation and ensure that anti-corruption efforts are not weaponised for political purposes.
It also urged the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and ensure that anti-graft agencies operate independently, transparently, and without political interference.As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had issued an official response to the allegations.Political analysts note that the claims come amid heightened political realignments and growing debates over the direction of governance and opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
