The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), has condemned what it described as the “opportunistic behavior” of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing both politicians of attempting to exploit the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari for political gain.
The NYF urged northern citizens, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and not allow their emotions to be exploited by what it called “false narratives and superficial displays of camaraderie.”
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, the National Coordinator of NYF, Sama Musa, said the group is “deeply dismayed” by recent actions and public posturing by the two politicians, who he claims are now parading themselves as close allies of the late former president.
He said: “We specifically refer to the opportunistic maneuvers of Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, who, in their desperation, have attempted to present themselves as allies of the late President. We find this behavior not only disingenuous but also an affront to the memory of a leader who dedicated his life to the service of our nation.
“It is with a heavy heart that we observe the manner in which these politicians have showcased themselves as genuine friends of Buhari, attempting to deceive the northern electorate. This narrative is not only misleading but also a blatant distortion of the truth.
“The Northern Youth Frontiers firmly believes that the people of the North are not so easily swayed by the theatrics of politicians who have historically opposed the very ideals and policies championed by President Buhari.
“Atiku Abubakar, a perennial presidential aspirant, has long been a figure of contention within the political landscape of Nigeria. His record speaks for itself; he has consistently positioned himself as a rival to the principles that President Buhari stood for.
“The same can be said for Nasir El-Rufai, whose political strategies have often been at odds with the vision of unity and progress that Buhari aimed to cultivate during his presidency. It is, therefore, both ironic and absurd that these individuals now seek to align themselves with the late President’s legacy, as if they were ever true allies.
“The Northern Youth Frontiers categorically rejects the notion that Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai can rebrand themselves as champions of Buhari’s vision. Their sudden display of affection for the late President is nothing more than a desperate attempt to manipulate the emotions of the northern populace in the wake of a profound loss.
“We stand firm in our belief that the North will not be swayed by such insincerity. We are a people of integrity, and we will not allow our sentiments to be exploited by those who have historically been adversaries of our leaders and our values.
“It is essential to remind these politicians that the North is not a monolith; we are a diverse community with a rich tapestry of beliefs, aspirations, and political affiliations.
“We have seen through the veil of desperation that Atiku and El-Rufai have donned in Daura in their attempts to align themselves with the legacy of President Buhari. The people of the North are discerning and will not allow themselves to be misled by false narratives or superficial displays of camaraderie.
“Furthermore, we urge the northern electorate to remain vigilant against the tactics employed by politicians who seek to capitalize on tragedy for their own gain.
“The death of President Buhari is not merely a political event; it is a moment of reflection, mourning, and respect for a leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of Nigeria. It is a time for us to honor his legacy through unity, progress, and a commitment to the ideals he championed.”
The youth group concluded by calling on all citizens to support leaders who genuinely reflect the values of integrity, unity, and service, the very principles they say Buhari stood for.
Musa added, “As representatives of the youth in the North, we call upon all citizens to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek out leaders who genuinely embody the principles of integrity, service, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
“Let us not be swayed by the fleeting allure of opportunism, but rather, let us focus on the future we wish to build in honor of President Buhari’s memory.
“The Northern Youth Frontiers stands resolutely against the attempts of Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to exploit the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. We implore them to cease their charade and to respect the memory of a leader who fought tirelessly for the unity and advancement of our nation.
“The North will not be fooled; we are united in our resolve to honor our past while forging a future that reflects the true values of our people.”
