The Coalition of Northern Youths Movement Initiative (CNYMI) has alleged a deliberate scheme to weaken prominent politicians from the Northern region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, CNYMI chairman Hamza Bala Lawal accused unnamed forces of orchestrating the political marginalisation of Northern figures like former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Abdulazeez Yari, as well as senators Ali Ndume and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“There is a calculated attempt to weaken political elites in the North ahead of the 2027 elections,” Lawal declared, adding that these individuals have been subjected to “political embarrassment” and denied leadership positions despite their qualifications.
He further warned of attempts to destabilise northern states, particularly Kano and Plateau, and urged President Tinubu to uphold the democratic process and respect the will of the people.
The group also criticised the judiciary, accusing it of “brazen injustice” and aiding the ruling party’s plot to create a one-party state. Lawal specifically cited the Court of Appeal’s handling of governorship elections in Zamfara, Plateau, and Kano, where opposition victories were challenged and overturned.
“The ruling in Kano has been widely condemned as ignoble and tainted,” Lawal stated, highlighting the inconsistencies found in the judgment documents. He expressed concern over the judiciary’s loss of public faith and called for a return to upholding the democratic principles of the nation.
The CNYMI also decried the interference in the internal affairs of political parties, citing the Supreme Court’s established rulings on such matters. Lawal condemned the attempt to overturn the Kano state mandate freely given to the NNPP, calling it a clear violation of electoral laws.
