, has voiced concerns over the recent political realignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai){kind=link}
A northern advocacy group, the Northern Conscience Movement (NCM), has voiced concerns over the recent political realignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who has unexpectedly expressed admiration for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, someone he had sharply criticised in the past.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Lawal Nuhu Ahmed, the NCM questioned the sincerity behind El-Rufai’s apparent change of heart, especially considering the long history of public disagreements between both political figures.
The group recalled that El-Rufai had previously described Atiku as power-hungry and plagued by unresolved corruption allegations.
The NCM emphasized that the timing of El-Rufai’s new stance raises questions, particularly as it comes on the heels of political setbacks, including a fallout with President Bola Tinubu and the Senate’s rejection of his ministerial nomination.
“It is troubling to witness El-Rufai now praising a man he once accused of dishonesty and an insatiable desire for power,” the group said.
“Such a shift in position, especially at a time of political vulnerability, casts doubt on the genuineness of his new alliances.”
The group also drew attention to recent reports of El-Rufai meeting with key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
These meetings, according to the NCM, appear to be part of a broader political strategy aimed at building a coalition against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Even more concerning to the group was the reported involvement of former President Muhammadu Buhari in these discussions.
The NCM warned that such engagements could destabilize the already fragile political environment, and they urged northern leaders to prioritize the region’s stability over personal or partisan ambitions.
“This evolving political scenario underscores a troubling trend where former adversaries unite, not out of shared ideology or principle, but seemingly out of political expediency,” the statement added.
The NCM called on Nigerians to critically evaluate the motives behind sudden political realignments and urged public figures to remain consistent and transparent in their positions.
“As a movement, we stand for integrity, accountability, and leadership that genuinely prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians,” the group stated.