The Arewa Consultative Forum has reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, declaring that its loyalty is to the salvation and collective interest of the North rather than to any political party.
The Chairman of the forum, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), made this position clear on Thursday in Kaduna during the 78th National Executive Committee meeting of the body.
He stressed that while members were free to hold personal political views, the ACF would remain resolutely detached from partisan politics.
“At this juncture, I must remind all members that ACF is not partisan. While we each have our individual beliefs, ideologies and idiosyncrasies, ACF, to all intents and purposes, absolutely remains aloof and does not belong to any political party but is nonetheless, stoically, unapologetically, unreservedly and passionately attached to the mission of the salvation of the North and its people—without prejudice to the indivisibility and sovereignty of Nigeria,” Osuman said.
He added that the forum would, however, continue to collaborate with organisations that share similar objectives, disclosing that the Forum for National Restoration had been invited to address members during the NEC meeting.
Beyond political neutrality, Osuman urged northern leaders and citizens to remain vigilant and united in the face of escalating insecurity, political treachery and environmental disasters threatening the region’s stability.
“This is not the time to sit on the fence or like the ostrich, hide its head in the sand under the delusive pretext that it sees nothing. We must remain united and resolved against imperfections, avarice, misgivings, deceit, misinformation, misdirection and incongruities,” he warned.
The chairman lamented that the North continued to grapple with terrorism, banditry and natural disasters such as flooding, which had taken a heavy toll on lives.
“We have lost children, middle-aged men and women, and the aged to natural causes, flood, drowning, and to evil criminals, psychopaths, gangsters, bandits, marauders and terrorists. Our pains as a region is therefore a major concern to ACF for which I ask for introspection and prayers,” he noted.
He further paid tribute to a number of prominent northern leaders and ACF stalwarts who recently passed away, including former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Deputy Secretary-General, Alhaji Umar Moriki; former minister, Professor Jubril Aminu; elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais; and immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“Just last week, the cruel hands of death snatched away our former chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh. We also lost Professor Jubril Aminu, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Justice Uwais, and Muhammadu Buhari. These are painful losses,” Osuman said.
On the forum’s future plans, he revealed that preparations had reached advanced stages for ACF’s 25th anniversary celebration, tentatively slated for October 15–30, 2025.
“All hands are on deck towards this jubilee celebration. Committees are already at work and I have been privileged to sit in on some of their meetings. The individual sacrifices of members, the discipline, consciousness, depth and scope of their preparations are amazing,” he disclosed, adding that the Secretary-General would provide further details during the deliberations.
Osuman also warned members against spreading unverified or radical views on the ACF Rapid Response Platform, advising them to rely on state chapters and the headquarters for guidance.
“Those of you on the Rapid Response Platform of the ACF would have been reading some contributions, analysis, remarks and comments. Some are words of caution, some are informative, educational and enlightening, while some are radical views and can be misleading,” he cautioned.
He disclosed that the 78th NEC meeting had 12 agenda items, which included updates on the forum’s registered company, ARECON, as well as the recurring “ETTE issue.” He said the popular State of the Nation segment, always the 10th item on the agenda, would be handled by the forum’s Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Baba, culminating in a communiqué at the end of the meeting.
The ACF boss ended his welcome address with a rallying call for resilience, law-abiding conduct and unity, describing the present period as a defining moment for the region.
“This is the time and space for us all to embrace brotherhood, truth and righteousness. We should always remain law-abiding. When in doubt, please contact the leadership of your state chapters or make recourse to the headquarters at No. 11A Sokoto Road,” he advised, before leading members in a solemn prayer for the repose of departed leaders and citizens.
The NEC meeting was attended by prominent northern leaders, who later went into closed-door deliberations on regional unity, security challenges, and the planned silver jubilee of the forum.
