By Awwal Yusuf, Kaduna
As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned Northerners against voting based on momentary, selfish, or primordial interests, warning that such choices could further endanger the region’s future.
The warning was issued by the ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, in his opening address at the 79th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Forum, held on Wednesday at its secretariat in Kaduna.
Osuman said the approach of election season has produced “convoluted groups” more focused on political repositioning than on tackling pressing regional challenges such as out-of-school children, hunger, poverty, kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He noted that many current elected and appointed officials remain disconnected from the aspirations and programmes of the ACF, although he acknowledged that some leaders have offered financial and other forms of support.
Reflecting on developments since the Forum’s last NEC meeting in August 2025, Osuman said the region has continued to suffer grave hardships, including natural disasters, tragic loss of lives, and worsening insecurity. He cited rising incidents of terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry, and kidnapping across parts of Kwara, Southern Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, and other areas.
According to him, the violence has uprooted families and communities, forcing many into overcrowded camps and informal settlements with limited access to basic services, thereby increasing the risks of malnutrition and death. He added that persistent attacks and fear have disrupted education through school closures, weakened rural economies, and made travel, farming, schooling, and access to healthcare unsafe.
“Insecurity has deepened to such an extent that external military assistance has been required,” he said.
Osuman stressed that the ACF must go beyond ceremonial existence to become a principled, sincere, sacrificial, and action-driven organisation that engages constructively with governments at national and subnational levels to promote peace, stability, and rehabilitation across the region.
As the country approaches another election cycle, he said ACF would work with relevant authorities to ensure peaceful and credible polls, while educating citizens on their civic responsibilities and the importance of obeying the law.
He also announced the constitution of a nine-member Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee, to be chaired by Professor Nuhu Mohammed Jamo, a former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Ahmadu Bello University and former Special Adviser to the Senate President on constitutional and comparative law.
