Ahead of its silver jubilee celebration, the apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Board of Trustees (BoT) has warned its officials against unauthorised statements ahead of 2027 general election, saying the group is non-partisan.
At a meeting held at its Kaduna headquarters, the BoT, chaired by Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, moved to clamp down on conflicting public statements from its ranks, unveiling plans for strict communication protocols to restore discipline and unity.
“This forum needs a united front,” Dalhatu declared, addressing an expanded audience that included all state chapter chairmen, secretaries, and youth group members. The move comes amid rising confusion and contradictions from senior officials, risking the integrity of the ACF’s voice on national and regional matters.
He however stressed that the meeting was not just about reining in wayward officials but a rallying point ahead of the Forum’s Silver Jubilee celebration scheduled for November 20-22 in Kaduna, an event which aims to raise critical funds for a new national headquarters, launch of an endowment fund targeting women and youth empowerment, and unveiling new publications, all signaling the ACF’s renewed push for relevance and impact.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reiterated ACF’s political neutrality, warning members against partisan squabbles. “We are not a political party,” he reminded, “but a strong socio-cultural voice pushing for democracy, good governance, and unity.”
Dalhatu also took a swipe at the mushrooming of splinter groups across Northern Nigeria, urging unity under the ACF banner. “We were born from the fusion of several key Northern groups for one purpose: to speak with one voice. Let no one dilute that strength,” he warned.
The Forum’s meeting took a sobering turn with a heartfelt tribute to the armed forces battling insecurity in the region, while also condemning sabotage efforts against the Dangote Refinery which he described as a vital national asset.
Dalhatu accused some unions and hidden forces working against Nigeria’s progress, calling on the federal government to act decisively before damage becomes irreversible.
Dalhatu reiterated the commitment of the forum to clean its house, consolidate its base, and lead Northern Nigeria’s socio-political agenda into a new era.
