The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has restated its non-partisan stance ahead of the 2027 elections, warning members against issuing conflicting statements that could damage the Forum’s credibility.
Speaking at the Board of Trustees meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, October 7, the BOT Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, said the leadership would introduce strict communication guidelines for officials.
He explained that the move followed recent incidents where senior members made contradictory public remarks.
Dalhatu, the Wazirin Dutse, noted that the Forum’s focus remained unity, democracy, and good governance, not partisanship.
“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,” he said.
He cautioned against the formation of parallel northern groups, saying such divisions weaken the collective voice of the region.
“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people,” he added.
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Dalhatu recalled that when the ACF was established in 2000, several northern groups merged to ensure a single platform for advocacy.
He urged splinter associations to return to the ACF fold.
On insecurity, he praised the armed forces for their sacrifices and called for continuous review of strategies to curb insurgency.
“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,” he stated.
Dalhatu also criticised the crisis between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN, calling it “a national calamity.”
He urged the federal government to act decisively, saying, “The government must eliminate this existential threat and place the interests of the many over the few.”