The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has clarified that its criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is consistent with the same approach used during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. Murtala Aliyu, the forum’s Secretary-General, stated that the ACF remains politically neutral and not aligned with any political party, focusing solely on the interests of the northern region and the country at large.
Aliyu responded to claims that the forum’s criticism was driven by Tinubu being a Southerner, stressing that the ACF had been vocal in holding the previous northern-led administration accountable as well. He reiterated that the ACF’s role is to assess which candidate would best serve the interests of the nation, particularly the North, without siding with any individual or political party.
The forum’s position on supporting a northern candidate in the 2027 election caused some controversy, with ACF national chairman Mamman Osuman’s comments leading to his suspension for issuing an unauthorised statement.