ACF Declares Support for Northern Presidency in 2027

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent socio-cultural group in Northern Nigeria, has announced its intention to back a Northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election. This decision, according to the Forum, is part of a broader effort to address the challenges facing the region and the nation at large.

Speaking at the ACF National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at its Kaduna secretariat on Wednesday, the National Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, emphasized the urgent need for Northerners to take proactive steps in rescuing the region from poor governance and socio-economic hardship.

Osuman highlighted the precarious state of the North, citing insecurity, economic inequality, and systemic neglect. “Our region is under siege—not only from bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers but also from policies and actions that undermine our interests,” he stated. He called for strategic efforts to alleviate the region’s suffering and urged Northerners to prioritize the welfare of their communities over political ambitions.

The chairman also criticized the actions of some regional leaders, questioning their commitment to addressing local issues. He urged elected officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to collaborate in tackling insecurity, illegal mining, and social vices. “We must evaluate the prudence of our leaders and their concern for domestic problems,” he noted.

Osuman praised the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a newly established group aimed at addressing Northern Nigeria’s challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and declining political influence. He described the League’s objectives as a timely response to the region’s worsening condition and called for greater unity among Northerners to advocate for equitable treatment within the Nigerian federation.

The ACF’s declaration underscores its resolve to shape the political narrative ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on Northern leadership as a means of addressing regional grievances and promoting socio-economic development.