No Political Contest Worth The Loss Of Life, ACF Warns Politicians Ahead 2027

The apex northern socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has warned politicians and youths to reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and the destruction of
lives and property ahead of 2027 polls.

ACF stated that the differences of political opinion should never become reasons for hatred, violence or the destruction of communities, stressing that no political contest is worth the loss of a human life.

In a statement issued by ACF chairman,
Mamman Mike Osuman, (SAN) on the Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the forum urged eligible Nigerian with Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to exercise their civic responsibility by voting candidates and political parties of their choice in the next year’s general elections.

“The period leading to elections, as well as the period immediately following them, can be tense and potentially hazardous. I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to
be trouble-prone” the forum stated.

ACF advised, “However, our votes should be based on individual analysis, conscience, judgment and assessment of the candidates and the issues, rather than merely responding to the clarion calls or directives of any political party.

“The vote of every citizen is a personal expression of choice and a constitutional
instrument for determining who should be entrusted with public responsibility.
Let us therefore vote responsibly, peacefully and conscientiously” the statement said.

Nigeria @66 Independence Anniversary

ACF said at 66, many Nigerians continue to suffer from natural disasters, insecurity, displacement, economic hardship, poverty and multifaceted forms of deprivation.

According to ACF, “These challenges have disrupted economic activities, closed schools, separated families and, in many instances, broken homes and destroyed livelihoods. Sadly, some of these painful and inhuman circumstances are perpetrated or
aggravated by persons into whose hands we have entrusted the responsibility of
leadership and governance” the statement said.

“This situation calls for sober reflection. Leadership is a sacred trust. Those
entrusted with public authority must continually remember that they hold such
positions in trust for the people and for the common good”

Osuman said, “On behalf of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), I extend warm greetings, goodwill, love, and renewed assurance of salvation, hope and better times to all Nigerians, particularly our brothers and sisters across the Arewa region”

The forum added, “As we commemorate the 66th Anniversary of our nation’s Independence, it is appropriate that we pause to reflect on the state of our nation and, particularly the experiences of our people across the various geographical locations of Nigeria” it said.

ACF chairman further said, “Today, 1 October 2026, provides the Arewa Consultative Forum and, indeed, all Nigerians, with an opportunity for introspection and reflection.
We must ask ourselves: Who are we as a people and as a region? Have we become increasingly individualistic, or are we still committed to collaboration and collective responsibility? Are we increasingly circumscribed by the pursuit of “self” rather than the advancement of “us”?

“Are we truly united in all ramifications, or do we exist in splinters based on tribe,
faith, political affiliation, personal interests, ego, relevance and self-embellishment? These are difficult but necessary questions” ACF asked.

“As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Consultative
Forum calls for renewed commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship,
justice, good governance and the dignity of every Nigerian. Let us remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us. We may differ in tribe, faith, language, political persuasion and geographical origin, but our common destiny as Nigerians binds us together” Osuman said.

Northern Unity

ACF reminded northerners that diversity should be a source of strength and not a justification for division, “The strength of any society lies not merely in its numbers or resources, but in the quality of its unity, its shared values, its commitment to justice and its willingness to place the common good above narrow personal interests” the forum said.

Responsibility Of Parents, Elders, Teachers

The forum urged parents, elders and teachers to serve as moral, ethical and exemplary guides to the younger generation, “Our youths must be taught the values of honesty, discipline, respect, hard work, tolerance, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law.

“The future of Nigeria cannot be secured by government alone. It requires the
collective responsibility of families, traditional institutions, religious leaders,
educational institutions, civil society organisations and citizens” ACF said.