The Sokoto Democratic Youth Forum (SDYF) has come down hard on former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments seen as an attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a visit to Sokoto.
The Forum accused El-Rufai of fueling regional discord and reminded the public of his past controversial remarks about the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, as well as the arrest of respected Islamic cleric Sheikh Bello Yabo.
In a strongly worded statement issued to journalists on Saturday, the Forum expressed dismay at El-Rufai’s political maneuvers, accusing him of attempting to manipulate northern sentiments against the President. They described his campaign against Tinubu as selfish and rooted in personal grievances rather than any sincere commitment to national progress.
“We have not forgotten how El-Rufai insulted the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, nor have we forgotten how he ordered the arrest of respected Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Bello Yabo. His visit to Sokoto is a provocation we totally reject,” the Forum stated.
The youth group did not mince words in criticizing El-Rufai’s recent political moves, particularly his flirtation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which they described as a desperate and premature attempt to undermine Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is no amount of insult or mobilisation that will discourage the average northerner from supporting President Tinubu. We have seen the bold steps he has taken to recover the economy, enhance security, and improve agricultural productivity across the country,” the statement read.
The Forum emphasized that Northern youths are now more politically aware and will not be manipulated by what they called El-Rufai’s “political theatrics.” They described his criticism of the current administration as hypocritical, pointing out that El-Rufai had failed to deliver real development in Kaduna State and was now projecting blame to cover his political frustrations.
“Just because he didn’t get a ministerial appointment, El-Rufai has chosen to fight President Tinubu under the guise of a false coalition. We want to categorically state that we are in full support of the South completing its constitutionally guaranteed two-term tenure of eight years.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to national unity and democratic stability, urging other northern youth groups across the 19 Northern states to reject divisive rhetoric and personal vendettas disguised as political activism.
“We will not allow El-Rufai or any politician to drag us back. The North is awake and united behind the values of peace, progress, and patriotism,” the Forum declared.
Middle-Belt Times 