The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the leading socio-cultural body in Northern Nigeria, has warned political leaders nationwide to halt premature 2027 campaign activities and focus instead on tackling the deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and growing public discontent.
Speaking at the forum’s 715th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday, ACF chairman, Chief Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), condemned the rising tempo of political rhetoric as insensitive and misaligned with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Osuman expressed grave concern over the resurgence of violent attacks across parts of the North and beyond.
He cited recent incidents such as the killings in Bokkos, Plateau State; the assassination of Northerners in Uromi, Edo State; and renewed Boko Haram assaults in Borno State.
“Only recently, we were rudely astounded by the sad news of the resurgence of terror attacks and loss of lives and property… These are issues of grave concern to us in ACF,” he said.
The forum noted that the escalating insecurity has crippled livelihoods in affected communities, with farmlands deserted, schools shut down, and local economies brought to a halt.
Osuman also expressed sympathy with flood victims in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, urging the federal and state governments to strengthen emergency response systems and invest in rebuilding critical infrastructure.
On the growing political distractions, Osuman did not mince words.
“While the desire to serve is commendable, the safety, welfare, and prosperity of Nigerians should take precedence. The momentum around 2027 should take a back seat for now,” he stated.
He called for courageous and selfless leadership, comparing the expected role of the ACF and other leaders to that of moral icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Indira Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.
The forum announced the creation of six new standing committees—on agriculture, livestock, education, politics, code of conduct and ethics, and the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee—bringing the total to fifteen.
“Our influence as a socio-cultural force must not be seen as symbolic. We must match our ideals with action and tangible impact,” Osuman stressed.
