ACF crisis deepens as Northern group warns of damage to region’s image

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has drawn fresh criticism from the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI), which described the situation as an embarrassing development capable of damaging the image and credibility of Northern Nigeria. In a statement issued by the Director General of the organisation, Abdullahi Idris, the group expressed concern over the escalating disputes, public accusations, and factional disagreements within the northern socio-political organisation. ACI said the exchange of communiqués, counter-statements, allegations of constitutional violations, financial misconduct, abuse of office, and reported police involvement had reduced what was once regarded as a respected northern platform into a public spectacle. According to the group, the crisis comes at a critical time when Northern Nigeria is already grappling with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor educational outcomes, and worsening economic hardship. “The disturbing events surrounding the leadership crisis in the ACF, including the exchange of damaging allegations, public confrontations, contradictory claims, institutional confusion, and media battles, have become a major source of embarrassment to Northern Nigeria and its people,” the statement said. ACI noted that rather than projecting unity and direction, the prolonged internal conflict within the forum was exposing the region to ridicule and weakening public confidence in northern leadership structures. The organisation further lamented that recent developments within the ACF portrayed deep divisions and institutional breakdown at a time many northerners expected mature engagement and responsible leadership from elder statesmen and stakeholders. It warned that no region could make meaningful progress where personal interests and power struggles are allowed to override collective responsibility and the common good. The group therefore, urged all parties involved in the crisis to place the interest of the North above personal ambitions and embrace dialogue, restraint, and constitutional order to prevent further damage to the region’s image. ACI also used the opportunity to position itself as an alternative platform committed to promoting unity, accountability, development, and inclusive leadership in Northern Nigeria. According to Idris, the organisation comprises stakeholders committed to integrity, patriotism, and service to the region. “Our organisation is founded on the principles of accountability, unity, development, peace, security, and inclusive leadership. We believe the North deserves a platform that truly reflects the aspirations of its people rather than one constantly consumed by internal conflicts and leadership controversies,” he stated. The group added that it remained committed to constructive engagement on issues affecting Northern Nigeria, particularly in the areas of security, youth empowerment, education, economic development, peaceful coexistence, and regional unity. ACI also called on northern elders, political leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, and civil society organisations to support efforts aimed at rebuilding the region’s image and restoring responsible leadership capable of earning respect across the country. The latest intervention comes amid growing concern over internal disagreements within the ACF, a body long regarded as one of the most influential socio-political organisations representing northern interests in Nigeria.