The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a strong warning against the growing proliferation of parallel groups and associations in Northern Nigeria, describing them as a direct threat to the unity and purpose for which the ACF was founded 25 years ago.
Speaking at the Forum’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting in Kaduna, Chairman of the BOT, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, Wazirin Dutse, reaffirmed the ACF’s role as the legitimate and central voice of Northern Nigeria, while cautioning against what he termed “unhealthy proliferation” of organizations with overlapping aims.
“In deference to the memory of our elder statesmen who laboured to unify the North under one umbrella, Northerners who have or are thinking of creating parallel or splinter groups should rethink their actions and come back within the ACF,” he said. “There is enough room in the ACF to accommodate all Northerners.”
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The remarks come amid increasing signs of factionalism within Northern sociopolitical spaces, with some groups attempting to position themselves as alternatives to the ACF.
Dalhatu reminded members of the Forum’s historical roots, noting that it was formed in 2000 through the consolidation of several respected northern groups, including the Turaki Committee led by former President Shehu Shagari, the Unity and Development Foundation under Alhaji Sule Katagum, and the Northern Elders Forum.
“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and in speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people and our Region,” Dalhatu emphasized.
The ACF BOT meeting, which included state chapter chairmen, their secretaries, and members of Arewa100% Focus, also addressed the issue of inconsistent messaging from ACF officials at national and state levels.
Dalhatu noted that contradictory public statements were damaging to the Forum’s credibility and cohesion.
He announced that a draft communication policy had been prepared to streamline how ACF speaks to the press and the public.
“No doubt, the ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,” he stated.
Another major focus of the meeting was preparations for the ACF’s upcoming Silver Jubilee, scheduled for November 20–22, 2025.
The forum will celebrate 25 years of existence and will include fundraising for a permanent national headquarters and the launch of an Endowment Fund to support youth and women empowerment across the region.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reiterated the Forum’s apolitical stance, stressing that while individual members may have party affiliations, the ACF remains politically neutral and committed to Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and good governance.
In his closing remarks, the Wazirin Dutse issued a passionate appeal: “Let us not betray the vision of our founding fathers. Let us preserve the unity of purpose that brought us together as one Arewa under the ACF”
