Following the statement made by Mamman Osuman, the suspended Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, declaring that the North would support a candidate from the North over President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, several northern groups have expressed their support for him.
However, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ACF, Bashir Dalhatu, and the National Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, announced Osuman’s suspension for making the statement without consulting other ACF leaders and members. Some northern groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups, Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, criticized the decision, considering it unjust and politically motivated.
Abdullahi Kabir, the Coordinator of CNG in Katsina State, disagreed with Osuman’s suspension, stating that his statement resonated with the majority of northerners. He emphasized that ACF does not represent the collective voice of the northern people and lacks the authority to dictate Arewa’s political direction.
Jamilu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration and policies, suggesting that a significant portion of northern Nigerians would prefer a northern candidate in the upcoming elections.
The NYCN described Osuman’s suspension as a disgrace to the northern region, criticizing ACF members for compromising their integrity. The National President of NYCN, Isah Abubakar, questioned the rationale behind Osuman’s suspension and called for its reversal, warning of potential mobilization to shut down the ACF headquarters in Kaduna.
The NYCN urged all Nigerians to support truth and those courageous enough to speak against injustices. Zaid Ayuba, the President of Arewa Youth Consultative Council, called on ACF to resolve the crisis and represent the North’s interests effectively.