ACF State Chapters Pass Vote Of No Confidence In NEC Chairman, Demand SG’s Exit

The leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) State Chapters has called for the immediate exit of the Forum’s former Secretary-General, Malam Murtala Aliyu, from office, insisting that his tenure expired in March 2026.

The state chapters also passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the National Executive Council (NEC), Mr Mike Osuman (SAN), accusing him of failing to remain neutral in the crisis rocking the organisation.

In a statement jointly signed by chairmen and secretaries of several state chapters, the group expressed concern over what it described as a lingering leadership crisis caused by the refusal of the former Secretary-General to vacate office after the expiration of his tenure.

According to the statement, the situation was allegedly worsened by the support given to Aliyu by the NEC chairman, a development the state chapters said contravened the constitutional provisions of the Forum.

The group further alleged that attempts by key actors in the dispute to mobilise support within the organisation had deepened divisions and contributed to the sealing of the ACF Secretariat.

“The NEC Chairman, who ought to remain neutral, has instead become a partaker in the crisis,” the statement said.

The state chapters also criticised the role of the National Publicity Secretary, alleging that media engagements surrounding the dispute contributed to escalating tensions rather than fostering reconciliation.

The leadership, however, commended the intervention of elders within the Forum who had earlier stepped in to restore peace.

The statement recalled that at a conciliatory meeting convened by elders on April 9, 2026, the former Secretary-General reportedly agreed to vacate office and requested until May 15 to complete the handover process due to his son’s wedding.

According to the group, the request was granted solely to facilitate the handover and did not amount to an extension of tenure.

They expressed disappointment that the agreement was allegedly not honoured, leading to renewed tensions within the organisation.

Citing Sections 16(2) and 16(5) of the ACF Constitution, the state chapters maintained that state leadership structures are integral parts of the Forum’s decision-making process and that any arrangement excluding them would amount to a breach of the constitution.

The group warned against actions capable of undermining the reputation of the Forum, noting that the ACF was established 25 years ago by prominent northern leaders and elder statesmen.

As part of its resolutions, the state chapters demanded the immediate and unconditional handover of all official documents, functions and properties of the Secretary-General’s office to the appropriate authority.

“We no longer recognise him as the authentic Secretary-General of ACF,” the statement declared.

The group also called for an immediate forensic audit of the Forum’s finances, including expenditures relating to its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Endowment Fund and other accounts.

In addition, the state chapters urged all members of the organisation to protect the integrity of the Forum and appealed to the Board of Trustees to urgently convene a General Assembly aimed at resolving the crisis and restoring normalcy.

“The ACF is an institution that must transcend individual interests,” the statement added.

The statement  was signed by ACF state chapter leadership  which include, Alh Yusuf Abdullahi Jubril, Kwara Chapter,  Alh Bello Mahmoud, Jigawa State Chapter Chairman Abbati Dankanti JGWSC

Alh Yahaya Bello Dan Makwayon Lafiya, Nasarawa State Chapter Chairman, Dr. Hassan Zanna Boguma, Borno State Chapter Chairman

Dr Shettima A. Ali, Borno State Chapter Secretary Dr. Amadu Usman Jibrin, Kano State Chapter, Dr. Faruk Goni, Kano State, Hamman Tukur Kawu Gassol, Taraba State and Hon Muhammad Habibu, Nasarawa State Chapter Secretary.

Others are Jussaini Obeito Lokoja, Kogi State Chapter Chairman Mustapha M. Mai, Adamawa State Chapter Chairman. Sani Aliyu Gusau, Zamfara State Chapter Chairman, Dr. Hassan Aliyu, Niger State Chapter Secretary, Shehu Malumfashi, Katsina State Chapter Chairman, Bello Iro Dabai, Katsina State Chapter Sec. Musa Mkrf, Kaduna State Chapter Chairman, Yinka Yusuf, Kwara Chapter Secretary , Engr Mohammed Akabe, GAMJI Members Association Kaduna, and Dr Abdullahi Bala Issa, GAMJI Members Association National President