A northern group, under the umbrella of the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative (ACI), has condemned the lingering leadership crisis rocking the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), describing it as an embarrassing show of shame capable of further damaging the image and credibility of Northern Nigeria.
The group said the ongoing exchange of accusations, counter-statements, allegations of constitutional breaches, financial misconduct, and factional battles within the ACF had reduced the once respected northern platform to a public spectacle. In a statement issued on Wednesday by ACI Director General, Abdullahi Idris, the unfolding crisis had exposed the North to ridicule and political mockery before other regions of the country.
The organization lamented that the North was currently battling insecurity, poverty, unemployment, poor education, economic hardship, and weakening social cohesion, making the public leadership crisis within the ACF more disturbing. “The disturbing events surrounding the leadership crisis in the ACF, including the exchange of damaging allegations, public confrontations, contradictory claims, institutional confusion, and media battles, have become a major source of embarrassment to Northern Nigeria and its people,” the statement said.
It added that rather than projecting unity, wisdom, and direction, the North was being dragged into unnecessary controversy by an organization expected to provide moral and strategic leadership for the region. Idris recalled that recent statements and publications emanating from the crisis had continued to portray deep division, leadership failure, and institutional breakdown at a time northerners expected mature engagement and responsible conduct from elders and stakeholders.
The group stressed that no region could make meaningful progress where personal interests, ego battles, and power struggles were allowed to override collective responsibility and the common good. It therefore urged all parties involved in the dispute to immediately embrace dialogue, restraint, and constitutional order in order to prevent further damage to the image of the North.
ACI also used the opportunity to project itself as a credible alternative platform committed to protecting and advancing the interests of Northern Nigeria through responsible leadership and constructive engagement. According to Idris, the organization is made up of energetic and visionary stakeholders driven by integrity, patriotism, and commitment to service, adding that it was founded on the principles of accountability, unity, peace, development, and inclusive leadership.
The group further called on northern elders, political leaders, professionals, traditional institutions, and civil society organizations to support efforts aimed at rebuilding the image of the region and restoring responsible leadership capable of earning respect across Nigeria.
