According to report by Daily Post on Thursda, June 18, 2026, a coalition of Arewa youth groups has declared that the reported arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will not prevent it from pursuing its political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing, the coalition described the next general election as a crucial moment for Nigeria’s democracy and expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and political accountability in the country.
The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of El-Rufai, who it claimed is being detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). According to the coalition, his continued detention is unjustified and should end in the interest of fairness and due process.
The youth coalition also urged young people across Northern Nigeria to unite and participate actively in the 2027 elections. It said a coordinated effort by northern youths would play a significant role in its campaign to remove the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power through the ballot.
The group further questioned what it described as inconsistencies in the country’s anti-corruption efforts. It argued that while El-Rufai remains in custody, several former governors being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continue to move freely and even remain politically active under the APC.
According to the coalition, such differences in the treatment of public officials raise concerns about fairness, consistency, and equal application of the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political objectives, the group insisted that its mobilisation campaign would continue regardless of El-Rufai’s situation. It maintained that its mission is focused on bringing about political change through democratic means in the 2027 elections.
The coalition declared, “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.”
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