ACF Suspends Chairman Over Anti-Tinubu Comments; Afenifere and Others Rally Behind President

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended its chairman, Mamman Osuman, following backlash over comments critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The northern group had expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they have exacerbated poverty in the region.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna, the ACF called for a reassessment of the government’s economic strategies. However, Osuman’s remarks suggesting that the North would support a northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election drew sharp criticism, leading to his suspension.

ACF’s Stance and the Fallout

The ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, criticized the current administration’s policies, describing them as detrimental to the North. Osuman added that many northern politicians were already strategizing for 2027, hinting at a regional preference for the presidency.

However, the ACF swiftly distanced itself from Osuman’s statements. In a letter signed by its Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, the forum suspended Osuman, stating his comments did not reflect the collective view of the ACF and were made without prior consultation. The letter also announced the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.

Presidency and APC Respond

Presidential aide Daniel Bwala downplayed the controversy, stating that Tinubu remains focused on governance, not the 2027 elections. He highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to addressing issues like hunger and climate change, citing his recent participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil.

Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized the ACF’s stance but acknowledged the group’s right to express its opinion. The APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, emphasized that the ACF is a sociocultural organization, not a political party, and its position holds no binding influence over electoral outcomes.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Others Defend Tinubu

Regional groups such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo rallied behind Tinubu, arguing that the nation’s current hardships stem from policies implemented during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. They urged Nigerians to focus on leadership capacity rather than regional affiliations.

Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh echoed this sentiment, stating that regionalism has not alleviated the country’s challenges. He criticized Tinubu’s administration for failing to address pressing issues and lamented the missed opportunity of Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 election.

Opposition Parties React

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) condemned the ACF’s comments as divisive. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor questioned the timing and motives behind the ACF’s statements, suggesting they might be politically motivated.

Osadolor urged Nigerians to prioritize unity and national development over regional sentiments, arguing that past endorsements by the ACF had little impact on electoral outcomes.



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