ACF reaffirms constitutional order, dismisses alleged parallel structures

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the forum’s constitution and warned against alleged acts of sabotage.

This is contained in a statement by Prof. Tukur Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the forum, issued on Monday in Kaduna.

The forum said its affairs remained stable and fully aligned with its constitutional provisions, despite concerns generated by recent publications and enquiries.

ACF stated that its National Executive Committee and National Working Committee (NWC) had continued to function without disruption.

It added that both organs supported efforts by northern elders to resolve lingering administrative issues through constitutional means.

The forum dismissed reports suggesting internal instability, describing them as false, misleading and intended to create unnecessary anxiety among members and the public.

ACF urged members to ignore what it described as spurious publications aimed at distracting the forum from its founding vision and objectives.

The forum also disowned an advertorial published in three national newspapers, claiming to contain resolutions of an online meeting of state chairmen and secretaries.

It maintained that no such platform existed under the ACF Constitution, which clearly outlined its recognised governing organs.

According to the forum, state chairmen and secretaries function only as members of the National Executive Committee and cannot operate independently.

ACF said the NWC, at its June 19 meeting in Kaduna, reaffirmed confidence in its Chairman,  Mamman  Osuman, and Secretary-General, Mallam Murtala Aliyu.

The committee also resolved to refer members violating the constitution to the Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee for investigation and possible sanctions.

The forum described the alleged online meeting as fabricated, mischievous and orchestrated by individuals seeking to undermine the organisation.

It noted that several state chapters had publicly denied participating in the purported meeting and rejected the advertised resolutions.

ACF further questioned why the advertorial was reportedly sponsored by an estate management firm with no known affiliation to the forum.

The forum said the incident resembled an earlier purported Board of Trustees meeting allegedly attended by individuals who later denied participating.

ACF also rejected reports of an Endowment Fund Management Committee allegedly inaugurated by Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu.

It said only the National Executive Committee had constitutional authority to establish standing committees, including one for the endowment fund.

The forum disclosed that Dalhatu had remained suspended since May 6, 2026, pending investigations into allegations of misconduct and constitutional breaches.

It said the suspension remained effective because he had yet to appear before the Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee.

ACF warned individuals associated with the purported committee that its activities were unconstitutional and would not be recognised.

The forum also claimed some persons listed as committee members were not bona fide members under its constitution.

It expressed concern that its funds remained lodged in a bank at eight per cent interest despite higher investment proposals from financial institutions.

ACF warned financial institutions against unauthorised dealings involving its funds, promising to pursue legal remedies where necessary.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of Northern Nigeria within the framework of Nigeria’s laws.