By Abbas Ibrahim
The crisis rocking the Arewa Consultative Forum should serve as a moment of sober reflection for northern leaders rather than a prolonged battle for power struggle. The ACF was founded principally to unite Northern Nigeria, protect its collective interests, promote peace, and provide direction on matters affecting the region. When internal disputes degenerate into public confrontations, accusations of financial misconduct, police blockades, and constitutional confusion, the image of the North itself suffers before the entire country.
What began as a disagreement between the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) has now exposed deeper frustrations among many northern youths who increasingly see elite organizations as disconnected from ordinary people. There is growing perception that such bodies revolve around political heavyweights, family networks, and long standing cronies, while young people are remembered only during elections or political mobilization and later abandoned.
For this reason, the current crisis should not merely end with suspension or counter suspension. It should become an opportunity for genuine reform and institutional rebirth.
One major lesson can be drawn from the South West’s Amotekun Corps initiative. Though different in mandate, Amotekun succeeded largely because it brought together experienced retired security officers, traditional institutions, grassroots actors, and community stakeholders around a people oriented objective, protecting society with impactful results. The North too must redefine the focus of ACF from an exclusive elite gathering into a broader people driven institution that GENUINELY reflects the aspirations of farmers, traders, students, women, professionals, and youths.
To restore credibility and stability, an independent reconciliation and reform committee should immediately be constituted, made up of respected retired jurists, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, academics, civil society actors, and neutral northern technocrats. Such a body should:
Review the ACF constitution comprehensively to be all embracing,
Investigate all allegations of financial misconduct, recommend transparent accountability measures, define clearer separation of powers within ACF, and propose reforms that democratize participation.
In the interest of peace and institutional renewal, both the current NEC and BoT may need to step aside temporarily to allow a neutral transition process. Fresh elections should then be conducted transparently, with wider consultation across Northern states and stronger youth inclusion. Membership structures should also become more open, participatory, and community oriented rather than dominated by a narrow circle of elites.
Where evidence of embezzlement or financial diversion is established, those responsible regardless of status should refund such funds and face appropriate disciplinary measures. Accountability is essential if the ACF hopes to regain moral authority in speaking for the North.
Most importantly, northern leaders must understand that this crisis goes beyond personalities. The real danger is the growing disconnect between leadership institutions and ordinary northern citizens facing insecurity, unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and social frustration. An organization established to unite the North cannot afford to become divided by power struggles and accusations of self interest.
This is therefore the time to draw the line, abandon factional battles, reform the institution courageously, and forge ahead with a renewed vision that truly serves the people of Northern Nigeria rather than a privileged few.
Abbas Ibrahim writes from Kano and can be reached @ abbasibrahim664@gmail.com