The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) has sharply criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent praise for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, labeling it a “perplexing shift” in political alignment. The group urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to critically analyze these evolving dynamics and reject the opportunistic nature they believe plagues the nation’s political scene.
In a statement released on Saturday, the NCM highlighted El-Rufai’s past scathing remarks against Atiku, recalling instances where he had called the former Vice President a “liar” obsessed with power and tainted by corruption allegations. The movement also pointed to El-Rufai’s previous criticisms of the ruling APC leadership and his concerns about the ailing economy and internal party disunity, suggesting his current stance is driven by expediency rather than genuine conviction.
The NCM further scrutinized Atiku’s recent outreach to former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite his past accusations of Buhari’s involvement in smuggling looted funds. The group highlighted Atiku’s recollection of a 1984 incident involving intercepted suitcases at the airport, linking it to the persistent issue of corruption in Nigeria and urging young citizens to understand this historical context.
The movement also expressed concern over the recent interactions between El-Rufai and prominent PDP figures, including Atiku and Aminu Tambuwal, in their apparent efforts to engage with President Buhari. The NCM views this as a disingenuous maneuver potentially aimed at forming an alliance against President Tinubu for the 2027 elections, cautioning against interpreting El-Rufai’s newfound admiration as genuine reconciliation.
The group argued that such political maneuvering undermines transparency and accountability, illustrating a troubling trend where personal interests often overshadow previously held convictions. They warned against interpreting El-Rufai’s actions as sincere, suggesting it is a strategic repositioning within Nigeria’s complex and often unpredictable political landscape.
