According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, June 18, 2026, coalition of Arewa Youth Groups, a northern youth coalition under the aegis of concerned regional organisations, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s political future, stating that the 2027 general elections could represent a critical turning point for the country’s democratic process.
The group made this position known during a press briefing where it addressed national political developments and expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and political accountability.
The coalition also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who it claimed is currently being held in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
It described the continued detention as unnecessary and called for his release in the interest of fairness and due process.
In its address, the group further urged northern youths across various states to unite politically and actively participate in the 2027 general elections, it emphasised the need for collective mobilisation aimed at voting out the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that a coordinated youth movement would be central to achieving its political objectives in the forthcoming polls.
The coalition also expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as selective treatment in ongoing corruption investigations, noting that while Nasir El-Rufai remains in detention, several former governors who are currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continue to move freely without restrictions.
It stated that this disparity raises concerns about fairness and consistency in the handling of public office holders.
It further highlighted that some of the former governors under investigation are still politically active and have been able to contest elective positions under the platform of the APC.
The group used this to question what it described as inconsistencies in the enforcement of accountability measures, particularly within the political space where individuals facing scrutiny still participate in elections.
The coalition reiterated its political position regarding the 2027 general elections, maintaining that its mobilisation efforts would continue regardless of developments surrounding El-Rufai’s detention.
It also restated its intention to pursue its broader political objectives within the democratic framework, insisting that its campaign for change remains active ahead of the elections.
“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,” the group said.
