Northern groups criticize the suspension of the ACF chair, alleging it’s an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress opposing voices.
Several northern groups have expressed their support for Mamman Osuman, the suspended Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum. This comes after his announcement that the region intends to endorse a candidate from the North in opposition to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Osuman announced on Wednesday that the North would not back Tinubu.
After the statement was made, Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ACF, and Murtala Aliyu, National Secretary, announced his suspension.
They pointed out that Osuman made the statement without consulting other ACF leaders and members, noting that it represented his personal opinion.
Nevertheless, several northern groups criticized the decision, calling it unjust and driven by political motives.
The organizations are the Coalition of Northern Groups, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Arewa Youth Consultative Council.
Abdullahi Kabir, the Coordinator of CNG for Katsina State chapter, criticized the suspension as an effort to silence the North and questioned why Osuman was being penalized for telling the truth.
Kabir observed that Osuman’s statement aligned with the views of 90 percent of northerners, further stating that the region would oppose any efforts to suppress its voice.
As the Coalition of Northern Group, Katsina State chapter, we oppose the suspension of Mr. Osuman. We consider his statement valid as it reflects what 80-90 percent of Arewa’s people believe. Furthermore, Mr. Osuman has every right to express his views as a Nigerian citizen.
We must emphasize that the Arewa Consultative Forum does not speak for all northern people and does not have the mandate to determine Arewa’s political direction. The ACF’s past, including some instances where it did not act in favor of the North’s best interests, has diminished its credibility on this front.
Kabir stated, “Should these recent actions constitute a broader effort to silence voices from the North or limit the region’s democratic expression, we strongly oppose such measures. The North will remain united in protecting its rights and ensuring that its aspirations are achieved through inclusivity and collective decision-making.”
Additionally, Jamilu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, expressed that the north was dissatisfied with Tinubu’s administration and policies.
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Charanchi remarked, “Honestly, I don’t believe Osuman was lying when he made his claim. People are genuinely dissatisfied with the system. I’m confident that 80 to 90 percent of people in the north would unquestionably support a northern candidate because if you conduct a survey, you’ll see they are indeed very unhappy with how things stand.”
“2027 is still some time away, so it’s too early to decide who we will support. However, if current trends continue, I am doubtful that northern Nigeria—or Nigerians as a whole—will back President Tinubu.”
The NYCN characterized Osuman’s suspension as a “significant embarrassment to the northern community” and accused ACF members of “selling out their voice for trivial gains.”
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Isah Abubakar, the National President of NYCN, expressed doubts about the reasoning behind Osuman’s suspension. He argued that Osuman’s criticism of Tinubu genuinely represented the sentiments of many Nigerians.
Abubakar voiced his worry that the suspension was indicative of northern Nigeria’s current condition, “where individuals prioritize their own selfish interests.”
He said, “What has the chairman expressed that isn’t an honest reflection of what many are unable to say without fear or bias? We are deeply ashamed of the actions taken by the so-called leaders of ACF in suspending their chairman for courageously speaking truth to power at a time when everyone else is reluctant.”
This is not the northern Nigeria that Prof. Ango Abdullahi championed, nor the one envisioned by the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, Justice Mamman Nasir, or Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi who made sacrifices for it.
We, the youth of the North, are concerned about the path our region is taking. We fear that our leaders have become disconnected from reality and seem more focused on their personal agendas than truly serving the people.
The NYCN urged the National Executive Council of the ACF to overturn their decision and reinstate Osuman in his role. Additionally, he cautioned that if the suspension is not overturned, there would be efforts made to close down the ACF headquarters in Kaduna.
Abubakar emphasized that no group or organization willing to speak truth to power or present evidence challenging events in our country can be silenced. He asserted, “We will consistently stand up for what we believe is right, regardless of the time or day.”
The NYCN has urged all Nigerians to uphold the truth and back those who bravely speak truth to power.
In the meantime, Zaid Ayuba, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, called on the ACF to resolve the crisis and effectively advocate for Northern interests.
