2027: Katsina Elders Forum denies threatening Tinubu over Usman Yusuf
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Yusuf, an indigene of Katsina and former boss of National Health Insurance Scheme was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over fraud. Following his arrest, the Secretary, Katsina Elders Forum, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, had threatened that the people of the state will not support Tinubu' in the 2027 elections except Yusuf was promptly released. However, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, a member of the forum and Galadima Katsina told journalists in Katsina on Saturday that Aliyu was not authorized to issue such threat against Tinubu'.
By Abbas Bamalli
Members of the Katsina Elders Forum have denied threatening not to vote or support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu’ in the 2027 presidential election because of recent arrest of Prof. Usman Yusuf.
Yusuf, an indigene of Katsina and former boss of National Health Insurance Scheme was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over fraud.
Following his arrest, the Secretary, Katsina Elders Forum, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, had threatened that the people of the state will not support Tinubu’ in the 2027 elections except Yusuf was promptly released.
However, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta, a member of the forum and Galadima Katsina told journalists in Katsina on Saturday that Aliyu was not authorized to issue such threat against Tinubu’.
Abdullahi-Mahuta, also the District Head of Malumfashi, clarified that the forum is not opposed to calls for Yusuf’s release. However, they disapprove of the political nature of Aliyu’s statement.
“This is not an elders’ language. It is not our position. We completely dissociate the Katsina Elders Forum from this statement.
“Our forum is not for politics. We are a group of respected elders concerned about the development and progress of the state and Nigeria.
“We are not part of the statement calling for Yusuf’s release or claiming the people of Katsina would not vote for the president in the upcoming elections,” he said.
According to him, Yusuf’s arrest and detention is not the solution; he should either be released or face a fair trial in court.
Abdullahi-Mahuta stressed that it is their right to make such calls, adding, “Thanks to Almighty Allah, he has been released.”
He clarified that the purpose of the briefing was to make their stance clear — that they are not part of the political statement and that justice should prevail.
The District Head further emphasised that every individual has the right to support and vote for any candidate they believe will meet their needs.
Alhaji Ali Dangiwa, another forum member, stated that one of their constitution’s key objectives is to avoid interference in politics.
“Therefore, if any member claims the forum has made a political statement, it is a misrepresentation,” he said.
He further explained, “Something went wrong at the secretariat, which led to this situation.” (NAN)
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