The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent northern sociocultural organization, has announced the suspension of its National Executive Council (NEC) Chairman, Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, following his recent controversial statements regarding the 2027 presidential elections.
The decision was made during the ACF’s NEC meeting held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at its headquarters in Kaduna. According to a statement jointly signed by the Forum's Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu (Wazirin Dutse), and its Secretary General, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu (Matawallen Gombe), Mr. Osuman was accused of making unauthorized remarks that contradicted the collective stance of the Forum.
The controversy stemmed from Mr. Osuman’s assertion that the North would support a northern candidate for the presidency in 2027. The statement emphasized that these comments were made without prior consultation or agreement with other leaders and members of the ACF, thereby representing Mr. Osuman's personal views rather than the Forum's official position.
In their statement, the Forum unequivocally distanced itself from the remarks, rejecting them in their entirety. Consequently, the leadership of both the Board of Trustees and the NEC resolved to suspend Mr. Osuman with immediate effect. Additionally, the Forum disclosed that a committee has been constituted to conduct further investigations into the matter.
This development has sparked widespread reactions, as the ACF remains a key voice in northern politics and its stance often influences political alignments in Nigeria. The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to shape the Forum's future direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
