The Northern Conscience Movement (NCM) has condemned former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of political manoeuvring and abandoning his principles in pursuit of power.
El-Rufai, along with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent figures like Senator Aminu Tambuwal, visited Buhari’s Kaduna residence last week, which they described as a post-Sallah courtesy call.
However, the NCM questioned the true intentions behind the gesture, labeling it as politically motivated and self-serving.
In a statement, NCM Coordinator Lawal Nuhu Ahmed pointed out El-Rufai’s earlier harsh criticisms of Atiku, where he referred to the former Vice President as a “liar,” obsessed with power, and “haunted by his corruption demon.”
These statements, Ahmed argued, were serious accusations that reflected El-Rufai’s previous stance against Atiku.
“The shift in El-Rufai’s attitude towards Atiku raises questions about the sincerity of his newfound praise,” Ahmed said.
“This change, especially after his fallout with President Bola Tinubu and the Senate’s rejection of his ministerial nomination, appears to be a strategic repositioning rather than a genuine reconciliation.”
The NCM expressed concerns about the erosion of transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics, arguing that personal interests were overshadowing political integrity.
Ahmed criticized El-Rufai’s actions as an example of how politicians are willing to abandon their values for the sake of power.
“El-Rufai’s rhetoric illustrates how personal ambitions can eclipse core principles, leading to alliances that seem improbable and self-serving,” Ahmed said.
The group called for a political culture grounded in integrity, urging political leaders, including El-Rufai, to prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
“We believe Nigeria deserves leaders who are consistent in their values and committed to the common good,” the statement concluded.
