“Northern Youths Call Out El-Rufai and Bala Mohammed Over Divisive Politics”
The Arewa Youth Leaders and Professionals Forum (AYLPF) has sharply criticized former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of working against the unity of the North. During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, AYLPF National President, Abdulahi Bilal Mohammed, expressed concerns that El-Rufai, alongside other third-force advocates, has become increasingly disconnected from the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
“El-Rufai’s recent remarks and actions show a troubling detachment from the pressing issues and priorities of the Nigerian people,” Mohammed remarked. He also highlighted that El-Rufai’s alleged involvement with the promoters of a third force signals a deeper agenda to undermine northern interests.
According to the AYLPF, both El-Rufai and those championing the so-called third force are fueling division, pursuing personal agendas at the expense of the North. The group decried these individuals’ tactics as a betrayal of the region, describing their actions as being motivated by self-interest rather than a true commitment to the country’s progress.
In a similar vein, the group took issue with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. Mohammed, also the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, has voiced his opposition to the current administration’s policies, arguing that they are detrimental to the country’s progress.
However, the AYLPF was quick to distance the North from Mohammed’s statements, condemning his actions as harmful to the unity and growth of the region. The group accused the governor of acting out of self-preservation, calling his opposition to Tinubu’s reforms an attempt to shield corrupt practices that have long benefited him and his associates.
“The Governor’s stance is not rooted in genuine concern for Nigeria’s future,” AYLPF said in a statement, “but rather reflects his pursuit of selfish interests at the expense of national unity and the trust the people have placed in him.”
The group emphasized that such leaders, including El-Rufai and Bala Mohammed, are a threat to national progress and unity, urging Nigerians to reject their divisive rhetoric. Instead, the AYLPF voiced firm support for President Tinubu’s economic reforms, which, despite being challenging in the short term, are crucial for Nigeria’s long-term growth and prosperity.
“These reforms, from subsidy removal to tax changes, are necessary to break the cycle of corruption and underdevelopment that has plagued our country,” the statement read. “Yet, those opposing these changes—leaders like Bala Mohammed and El-Rufai—are motivated by the threat these reforms pose to their own privileged positions.”
The AYLPF underscored that the North, a region traditionally associated with values of fairness, justice, and patriotism, overwhelmingly supports the reforms, even if they entail some short-term discomfort.
“We must question the true motives of these so-called northern leaders,” the statement concluded. “Are they genuinely concerned with the welfare of the people, or are they protecting personal interests? It is time to reject divisive leaders and stand behind President Tinubu for the greater good of the nation.”
In sum, the Arewa Youth Leaders and Professionals Forum reaffirmed their unwavering support for the reform efforts, urging fellow Nigerians to do the same and to reject any efforts to sow discord for selfish gain.
