The unfolding crisis within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has laid bare troubling fault lines that go beyond mere administrative disagreements. What is playing out is a contest that raises fundamental questions about leadership, accountability and, more importantly, commitment to the collective interest of Northern Nigeria.
From the various accounts in the public domain, the dispute has assumed multiple dimensions, ranging from allegations and counter-allegations involving the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC), to sharp divisions over authority, finances and institutional control. While the personalities involved have dominated headlines, the deeper concern lies in what this crisis reveals about the direction of the forum itself.
It is increasingly evident that some actors within the forum have been perceived as aligning more closely with government interests than with the broader aspirations of the region they are meant to serve. Whether this perception is entirely accurate or not, it is damaging in itself. The ACF was conceived as a non-partisan platform to articulate and defend the interests of the North. Any suggestion that its leadership is drifting from this mandate undermines its credibility and weakens its moral authority.
More troubling, however, is the unmistakable role of ego and personal ambition in fuelling the crisis. Leadership disputes are not uncommon in organisations, but when they are driven by personal aggrandisement rather than principled differences, they become destructive. The current situation suggests that individual interests may be taking precedence over collective goals, a development that should concern all stakeholders in the region.
Although tensions within the forum have reportedly been simmering for years, the crisis appears to have escalated significantly following the ACF’s 25th anniversary in November 2025, during which nearly N4 billion was raised. What should have been a moment of celebration and renewed commitment to the region’s development has instead become a flashpoint for discord. At the heart of the matter are questions surrounding financial control, transparency and accountability, as well as the apparent overlap or dilution of roles between the BoT and the NEC.
These are not trivial issues. Financial accountability is the backbone of any credible institution, and clarity of roles is essential for effective governance. However, the manner in which these concerns are being handled, through public recriminations and institutional brinkmanship does little to inspire confidence. Rather, it paints a picture of an organisation struggling to manage its internal affairs.
This is not what the North expects from its leaders, or from a forum that was established to serve as a rallying point for the region. Those entrusted with leadership positions in the ACF must recognise that they are custodians of a legacy and a responsibility that transcends personal considerations. Their actions should reflect a commitment to unity, integrity and the advancement of the region’s interests.
Equally concerning is the timing of this crisis. With the country gradually inching towards another election cycle, the North faces significant political, economic and security challenges that require coherent and unified leadership. At such a critical juncture, the region can ill afford a fractured voice. The spectacle of internal discord within the ACF is not only unfortunate; it is embarrassing.
The onset of political activities ahead of the next general elections makes it even more imperative for Northern leaders to close ranks and provide clear direction. The region looks up to platforms like the ACF for guidance, consensus-building and advocacy. When such a platform is consumed by internal conflict, it leaves a vacuum that could be exploited by divisive interests.
Daily Trust wants to stress that this intervention is not about apportioning blame or determining who is right or wrong in the ongoing dispute. Rather, it is a call for reflection and restraint. Regardless of the merits of individual positions, the current trajectory is unsustainable and detrimental to the collective good.
It is, therefore, our considered position that the leaders of the ACF must refocus their energies on making lasting impacts in the North. Issues such as insecurity, poverty, education and economic development demand urgent attention. These are the concerns that should dominate the forum’s agenda, not internal power struggles.
There is also a need for institutional reform within the forum. Clear delineation of roles between the BoT and the NEC, robust financial oversight mechanisms and adherence to established procedures are essential to preventing future crises. Transparency and accountability must not only be practised but seen to be practised.
Above all, Northern leaders must resist the temptation to allow personal egos to derail a collective project that holds significant importance for the region. The founding goals and objectives of the ACF were rooted in the desire to promote unity, foster development and provide a strong, independent voice for the North. These ideals must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.
The current crisis should serve as a wake-up call. It is an opportunity for introspection and course correction. The ACF can still reclaim its position as a respected and influential platform, but this will require humility, dialogue and a genuine commitment to the common good.
The North, and indeed the nation, is watching.