The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has restated that it remains a non-partisan socio-cultural organisation and will not support any political party ahead of 2027.

The Chairman of the Forum’s Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, made this known during a BOT meeting held at the ACF headquarters in Kaduna.

The meeting was attended by state chapter chairmen, secretaries, and members of the Arewa 100% Focus Group, who also discussed plans for the organisation’s 25th anniversary coming up in November.

Dalhatu said the Forum will now enforce stricter communication guidelines after some senior members recently made conflicting public statements on national issues. He warned that such actions could harm the unity and credibility of the ACF.

He explained that while individual members are free to join political parties of their choice, the ACF itself will remain neutral.

“We do not endorse any political party. Our role is to outline the qualities expected from anyone seeking public office,” he said.

Dalhatu emphasized that the Forum’s mission is to promote democracy, good governance, and national unity. He also expressed concern over the growing number of new northern associations duplicating the ACF’s objectives.

“Our power lies in unity and in speaking with one voice. Those forming parallel groups should reconsider and return to the ACF, which has space for everyone,” he stated.

He reminded members that when the ACF was established in 2000, prominent northern leaders, including former presidents, governors, and traditional rulers, agreed to unite all regional groups under one umbrella to promote common goals.

On insecurity, Dalhatu praised the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies for their continued sacrifices in fighting insurgency and banditry across the North. He also called for continuous improvement of security operations to ensure better results and reduce casualties.

Commenting on the recent dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Dalhatu described the situation as “a national tragedy.”

 He accused some “unpatriotic unions and hidden cabals” of sabotaging the refinery, which he said should be a source of national pride.

He urged the federal government to act quickly, saying those responsible were “working against Nigeria’s interest.”

Dalhatu thanked all ACF members for their commitment and urged them to continue promoting peace, unity, and progress across the region and the nation.

2027: We are not for any political party, individuals’ opinions not group’s – ACF