There is palpable tension within the ranks of prominent northern organisations over the region’s speculated bid for 2027, as the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) knocked the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a socio-cultural group, for delving into politics.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Kaduna, Wednesday, the ACF bemoaned what it called the poor state of the north and also faulted some policies of the Bola Tinubu–led government, concluding that northern interest would be best served by northerners.
Among others, the meeting called on Northern elites, in all spheres of life, to take it upon themselves to counter negative narratives about the North and also imbibe the spirit of community service, individually and collectively. The interests of the North will be best served by Northerners.
“People should take responsibility for our fast-growing population. Public policy and the law should be adopted to achieve a balance.”
…Arewa Think Tank faults position
Rejecting the position, however, the ATT said the ACF could not have decided the political choice of members, saying the body is apolitical.
A statement Thursday by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, claimed that some of the media reports might have quoted the position of the ACF out of context, even as the body charged the ACF to clarify its positions.
It said: “ACF is not a political organisation that can speak as an opposition party. ACF is apolitical and all its members belong to different political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). So the Forum cannot decide for political parties against President Tinubu.
“Some media reports that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its support for Northern presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections is nothing but an imaginative news story hanging on the heels of fake news.”
Quoting the ACF chair, the statement said: “In his remarks at the NEC meeting of the Forum, the ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, said that even though some of President Tinubu’s policies are unacceptable by the region, the bulk of the blame over underdevelopment of the North should go to its leaders.
“ACF Chair acknowledged a newly founded Northern group which according to him has some members of ACF as its new members, advising that their well thought out charities should begin at home in the North.
“He admitted that some policies of the current administration are repugnant and adverse to the interests of Northern region. ACF believes that certain policies and behaviours of our own leaders within our region need some critical evaluation.
“The ACF Chairman raised some questions, asking; to what extent are our northern elected leaders demonstrating prudence and concern for our domestic and environmental problems, to what extent are our Governors and legislators synergizing with our traditional leaders in combating ills that exist within our region.
“Have our parents, religious teachers and the elites initiated an orientation and public awareness that will educate our people on the need for self- defence and self-preservation?.Illegal minings by foreigners aided by our own people exist in some states. What local strategies are on ground towards arresting this vice.”
“It is not in doubt that the North is currently under siege. Our dear Region is not only being viciously attacked by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers but by sinister devices like disproportionate considerations and inequitable treatments,” the statement further quoted the ACF leader as saying.
…Wants ACF to speak up
Throwing the challenge at the ACF leadership, however, Yakubu said: “From the ACF chairman’s speech, Arewa Think Tank believes that the ACF position was well misquoted by some media coverage because from the speech there is no place saying that the ACF has dumped President Tinubu over 2027 presidential election.
“However, we challenge ACF leadership to deny or own up to some of the media reports that North has dumped President Tinubu over the 2027 presidential race.”
…Northern democrats
In a related development, the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a newly established northern political group, said it had initiated talks with key regional organisations, including the ACF, Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), to build a unified front aimed at reclaiming its lost dignity and influence in the nation’s future.
At a meeting with the ACF, Thursday, Chairman LND Senator Ibrahim Shekarau described the engagement as the starting point of a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria.
Represented by Ibrahim Isa Bio, a former transportation minister, Shekarau emphasised that collaboration, commitment, and a unified purpose would be vital to achieving the coalition’s objectives.
He urged all stakeholders to focus on collective strategies to tackle challenges facing the North, including poverty, insecurity, and political disunity.
Shekarau said: “In our effort to rebuild a stronger Northern Nigeria, I am pleased to inform you that we have also held consultative meetings with the leaderships of the Northern Elders Forum and the Middle Belt Forum, and our discussions yielded fruits with agreements in principle to forge a coalition among our four organizations – i.e. ACF, LND, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum. This coalition is not just for today but for the future-a future where Northern Nigeria regains its status as a beacon of progress, culture and leadership in Nigeria!
“This unified front will complete the long-sought unity of the North. The consequence of such a coalition will be profound: political entities such as the PDP, APC, LP, NNPP, SDP, state governors, legislators and even the presidency will be humbled and compelled to support and align with our vision, thus reclaiming the dignity, stability and influence of Northern Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today on this momentous occasion. I wish to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum ACF for providing us with the opportunity to engage in this critical meeting. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria.
“The challenges facing our region – poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, religious intolerance, disunity and diminishing political influence – are indeed serious. The North is today in an ugly situation. Yet, we all know that the situation is reversible. It only requires commitment, collaboration and a shared vision from all of us. In truth, we owe ourselves and the generations behind us the solemn duty to do so. I am convinced that it is the spirit of this duty that has brought us all together today.
“We recognize and deeply appreciate the contributions of the ACF in preserving the values, culture and dignity of the North. Your steadfast dedication and resilience over the years have been a guiding light. In this spirit, the League of Northern Democrats brings fresh perspectives, innovative strategies and a renewed commitment to advancing the interests of our people.
“This coalition between the League of Northern Democrats and the Arewa Consultative Forum represents a historic opportunity to amplify the collective voice of the North, ensuring our region’s priorities take center stage in national discourse; pool our vast resources – experience, influence, knowledge and finances – to create impactful solutions to our shared challenges; and to strengthen the economic, political and social fabric of the North, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration and shared progress.
“This coalition is more than symbolic; it is a practical step towards building a cohesive North that can reclaim its rightful position as a zone of first influence in Nigeria’s politics and power dynamics. LND’s practical understanding of the power dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape, its aim to reposition the North as a unified and decisive player and its focus on innovative strategies will complement the established high influence and networks of ACF, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum.
“This will automatically create and consolidate our regional unity and influence, and as I earlier said, force all political players to respect and align with the coalition’s vision. This should be our central focus.
“As we start the move to solidify our partnership, today’s meeting will do well by focusing on defining Shared Goals; establish immediate and long-term objectives to bring sustainable development to the North; Leveraging Strengths: i.e. Harness our combined experience, influence and expertise for maximum impact. Ensure coordination and complementarity in our efforts to avoid duplication; and working as a Team: i.e. collaborate effectively to overcome our region’s challenges.
“I urge us to approach this engagement with sincere and open minds, shared sense of purpose and unwavering commitment by all. Together, we have the power to rewrite the narrative of our region and secure a legacy of prosperity and unity for generations to come,” the group added.
Receiving the LND leadership, Chairman ACF Board of Trustees Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu described the formation of the coalition as a welcome development.
He said: “Two heads they said is better than one and I have already noticed and succumbed to the fact that the League of Northern Democrats are full of high levels of intellectuals. So, we are on course with that kind of intellectuals and intelligence.
“We have been following the progress and movement as well as efforts of the LND since their establishment and we feel very proud that the north, actually no matter how many times you split it, the essence, vision is still the same.
“Therefore, we at the ACF are even stronger because we are welcoming another source of strength, vision and drive. I want to say that in the very short time that they are in existence, they have made remarkable strides.”