Ismaila Mohammed
The recent declaration by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to back a Northern presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections due to dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies did not surprise many Nigerians.
The ACF, once a respected voice for the North, has become a shadow of its former self, mere mouthpiece for a select few, rather than representing the entire region. Its leadership is often criticized for being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Northerners, prioritizing their own power and influence over addressing critical regional issues.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Elrufai previously criticized the ACF as a self-centered group lacking credibility and influence in elections, with members who have never experienced electoral success. Despite their lack of electoral influence, the ACF continues to push divisive agendas and promote parochial interests, rather than fostering unity and progress.
ACF reminds one of the pangs of a dying behemoth. ACF does not speak for the north. While it is it’s right to decide who to vote for come 2027 it cannot take that decision on behalf of the northern people. Politically sophisticated and with a mind of their own northerners must be respected to make their choice and not to be ambushed by a pseudo pseudo political association.
While the ACF has been vocal in its criticisms, it has failed to offer meaningful solutions to the North’s challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, and unemployment. In contrast, President Bola Tinubu has initiated programs and policies aimed at improving the socioeconomic well-being of Nigerians, including distributing palliatives, supporting small businesses, and empowering women.
Recent government efforts in neutralizing notorious bandit leaders like Sububu, Alin Kasai and dozens of kingpins have shown progress in addressing security threats in the region.
However, the ACF’s focus on political agendas has overshadowed its responsibilities in social and economic development. ACF should stop the habit of criticizing policies without imputing ethnic bias. All Nigerians are making the sacrifices needed due to the ongoing reforms.
ACF and It’s leadership should apply themselves to what is going and the efforts and impact of TINUBU’S administration reform agenda. Under the Consumer Credit the Disbursement of N24.78bn under the National Cash Transfer programme to 991,261 poor households as part of efforts to alleviate poverty. The cash transfer initiative is spearheaded by the National Social Investment Programme Agency with beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. There is a N200bn Intervention funds broken down as follow into The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) provides N50,000 grant to nano-business owners, especially women and young people, withN38.8 billion has been disbursed to 774,593 beneficiaries from all the local government areas (LGAs) across the country.
The N75bn Presidential conditional grant and loan scheme targeting over 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across the country. It is offering a maximum of N1 million per beneficiary at a 9 percent interest rate. The initiative is also expected to provide over 75,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs nationwide. Bank of Industry recently announced the opening of the portal for applications for this Presidential Grants and Loan Scheme for MSMEs nationwide.
The Manufacturing Sector Fund – N75 billion Fund offers support to eligible manufacturing businesses, with each beneficiary receiving up to N1 billion at a comparable interest rate. Other areas include Tax reforms ,Investment in infrastructure ,Floating the naira to eliminate the need to deplete the foreign reserve for artificially shoring up the value of the currency.
As younger generations seek new voices and platforms to express their aspirations, the ACF’s relevance and influence are diminishing. Without significant transformation, the organization risks becoming obsolete, marred by its failures and shortcomings.