By Olaitan Ibrahim
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has clarified its position on the criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that it remains impartial and applies the same “critical lens” it did during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Murtala Aliyu, the ACF Secretary-General, speaking on Arise TV, dismissed claims that the forum’s stance against certain government policies stemmed from regional bias.
“It’s unfair to say we criticise the government because a southerner is at the helm of affairs,” Aliyu said.
“We were huge critics of the last northern-led administration, and our records can verify this.”
Aliyu reiterated that while the forum engages in political discourse, it is not aligned with any political party.
“The ACF’s official position is that selecting candidates is the responsibility of political parties,” he said.
“We assess which candidate is better for the country and the north. We’re not partisan, but rather political, with an interest in the northern region’s development and its benefit to the entire country.”
His comments follow reports suggesting that the ACF might endorse a northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
Aliyu denied any bias, stating, “We don’t take sides, and we’re not against any person, including the current president.”
It would be recalled on Wednesday, Mamman Osuman, the national chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), criticised northern leaders for failing to address the region’s challenges.
He questioned the efforts of the northern governors and lawmakers in alleviating the economic hardships faced by the people due to President Tinubu’s policies.
Osuman also expressed the forum’s support for a northern candidate in the 2027 general election.
However, shortly after his remarks, the ACF suspended him for making an unauthorised statement. The forum emphasised that he had failed to consult with other leaders and members before issuing the comment.
In response, the ACF’s secretary-general stated that the forum is actively engaging with governors and traditional institutions at various levels to promote good governance.
He explained that the ACF’s main priority is ensuring that leaders focus on the needs of the grassroots, while stressing the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments for progress.
“We engage governors both at the forum level and individually,” said Aliyu.
“We also work with traditional rulers and address responsibilities at the sub-national level. While we are not blaming the national government for all the challenges facing the country, we acknowledge that regions, like the north, must take action at the sub-national level, with the federal government complementing these efforts.”
He noted that micro-economic policies are set by the central government, which must address any issues at the national level. Meanwhile, state governments handle local issues, and the ACF is in dialogue with them.
Aliyu added that the ACF is not placing blame on any one individual or location, but urging all leaders to recognize their responsibility and respond to the grievances of the people.
He expressed hope that the promises made by the government would soon translate into tangible changes for the people.