KADUNA — The crisis rocking the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has exposed deep cracks within one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential socio-political organisations. Once regarded as a united voice for the North on issues of governance, security, economy, and national cohesion, the forum is now battling internal accusations, power tussles, and questions over accountability.
The latest controversy involving allegations of misconduct against the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, and the recommendation for his suspension alongside calls for a forensic audit, signals more than just an internal disagreement. It reflects a wider struggle over leadership, transparency, and relevance within northern political institutions.
For decades, the ACF played a major role in shaping political conversations in Northern Nigeria. The organisation often positioned itself as the moral and intellectual compass of the region, speaking on insecurity, economic hardship, federal appointments, and national unity.
However, recent developments suggest that the forum is facing a credibility test at a time when the North itself is struggling with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and political fragmentation.
One major implication of the crisis is the likely erosion of public confidence in the organisation. Many northerners looked up to the ACF as an elder statesman platform capable of mediating disputes and influencing government policies. Allegations of financial irregularities and misconduct within the organisation may weaken its moral authority to criticise governments or champion accountability.
The demand for a forensic audit is particularly significant. It suggests that some members believe there may have been serious financial mismanagement within the organisation. If not properly handled, the issue could divide the forum into rival camps and create long-lasting distrust among members. Transparency in handling the allegations will therefore determine whether the organisation can rebuild credibility.
Beyond the financial allegations, the crisis also reveals generational and ideological tensions within northern politics. Many younger political actors and intellectuals have increasingly questioned the relevance of traditional socio-political bodies dominated by elder statesmen.
Critics argue that such organisations have failed to provide practical solutions to insecurity, education decline, and economic hardship facing the region.
The internal crisis may further strengthen calls for reforms within the ACF. Some observers believe the forum needs restructuring, fresh leadership, and clearer institutional mechanisms for accountability. Without reforms, the organisation risks becoming disconnected from the realities and aspirations of younger northerners.
Politically, the crisis comes at a sensitive time ahead of the 2027 general elections. Northern political unity has already been under pressure due to divisions across party lines and disagreements over power sharing. Any prolonged instability within the ACF could weaken the North’s ability to negotiate collectively on national political issues.
The situation may also affect the relationship between the ACF and political office holders from the North. Governors, ministers, and lawmakers who once relied on the forum for political legitimacy may become cautious about associating too closely with an organisation battling internal controversy.
Another concern is the possible emergence of factional leadership. Nigerian political and socio-cultural organisations have historically suffered from splits whenever internal disputes are poorly managed. If the current crisis escalates, the ACF could witness parallel leadership claims, legal battles, or mass resignations, all of which would diminish its influence.
However, the crisis could also become an opportunity for renewal. If handled transparently and democratically, the controversy may push the forum toward institutional reforms and stronger governance structures. Conducting an independent forensic audit and allowing due process could help restore confidence among members and the wider public.
The handling of the allegations will also send an important message about accountability within elite institutions in Northern Nigeria. For many citizens, the real issue is not merely whether allegations exist, but whether influential individuals can be subjected to transparent investigation without political protection.
Ultimately, the ACF crisis is a reflection of broader challenges confronting northern leadership today. The region is grappling with insecurity, poverty, declining educational standards, and political uncertainty. At such a critical period, many northerners expect unity, strategic thinking, and credible leadership from organisations claiming to represent their interests.
Whether the ACF survives this turbulence will depend on its willingness to embrace transparency, internal democracy, and reform. If the organisation succeeds in resolving the crisis fairly, it may emerge stronger and more credible. But if the dispute degenerates into prolonged factional battles, the forum risks losing both relevance and influence in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
