As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Arewa Consultative Forum has reminded its members that the forum remains a non-partisan socio-cultural organisation.
Consequently, the ACF announced plans to enforce a strict communication protocol among its officials following what it described as “contradictory statements” by some of its senior members in recent months.
The Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, stated this on Tuesday during a meeting of the BOT held at the ACF headquarters in Kaduna.
The meeting, which was attended by state chapter chairmen, secretaries, and members of the Arewa 100% Focus Group, also reviewed preparations for the Forum’s forthcoming Silver Jubilee celebration scheduled for November.
Dalhatu, who holds the traditional title of Wazirin Dutse, said two critical matters topped the agenda, the mode of communication by ACF officials with the public, especially the press and preparations for the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
According to him, the forum’s leadership was concerned about the recent trend of senior officials at both national and state levels issuing “contradictory statements” on sensitive issues, a development he warned could undermine the Forum’s credibility and unity.
“Although our members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organisation, the ACF is politically non-partisan.
“We will not support one party over the other. What we usually do at elections is to list the qualities expected of those who aspire to public office,” he said.
Dalhatu stressed that the Forum’s core interest lies in promoting democracy, good governance, and the unity and stability of Nigeria.
He also warned against what he described as the “unhealthy proliferation” of new northern groups and associations with objectives similar to those of the ACF.
“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people and our region,” he said.
The BOT chairman recalled that when the ACF was founded in 2000, northern leaders, including former presidents, state governors, traditional rulers and intellectuals, had persuaded several existing civil society groups to merge into a single body to ensure harmony and a common purpose.
“In deference to the memory of those elder statesmen, northerners who are creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and return to the ACF. There is enough room in the Forum to accommodate all Northerners,” he added.
He charged state chapters to intensify their membership drives and establish local government chapters with the support of the national headquarters.
On insecurity, Dalhatu commended members of the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in combating insurgency and banditry across the North.
“We express our deepest gratitude to members of the armed forces and security agencies as they continue to risk and lose their lives in the line of duty. We pray for the peaceful repose of those who have died in the service of our nation,” he said.
He called for a continuous review of security strategies by the military high command to ensure greater effectiveness and minimise casualties.
Dalhatu also condemned the recent crisis surrounding the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, describing the situation as “a national calamity.”
“It strikes every right-thinking person as deeply unfathomable and unacceptable that a huge asset, which ought to be our national pride and has rescued Nigeria from fuel shortages and forex crises, is being sabotaged by some unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals,” he said.
He urged the federal government to act swiftly, saying, “These people must be told in no uncertain terms that they are working on behalf of the enemies of Nigeria. The government must eliminate this existential threat and place the interests of the many over the few.”
Dalhatu concluded by expressing appreciation to all ACF members who attended the meeting physically and virtually, noting that their commitment and sacrifices would help strengthen the Forum’s unity and relevance.
“Let us continue to speak with one voice, protect our unity, and work for the progress of our region and Nigeria,” he said.
With barely two years to the 2027 general elections, Nigeria is gradually moving into campaign mode.
Also, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced plans to build on the lessons of 2023, particularly in areas such as logistics, technology deployment, and staff training.
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