ACF Cautions Politicians, Youths Against Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a leading northern socio-cultural organisation, has issued a strong warning to politicians and young people to steer clear of violence, provocative statements and acts that could destroy lives and property as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by its chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, the ACF emphasised that political differences must never be allowed to breed hatred, bloodshed or the destruction of communities. The forum insisted that no political battle is worth the sacrifice of a human life.
The ACF called on eligible Nigerians who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to fulfil their civic duty by casting their ballots for the candidates and parties of their choosing in next year's elections.
Quoting the statement: "The period leading to elections, as well as the period immediately following them, can be tense and potentially hazardous. I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to be trouble-prone."
The forum further advised that voting decisions should be grounded in personal analysis, conscience, judgment and an assessment of the candidates and issues, rather than simply following directives from political parties. It described the vote as a personal expression of choice and a constitutional tool for deciding who should hold public office, urging Nigerians to vote responsibly, peacefully and conscientiously.
Reflecting on Nigeria's 66 years of independence, the ACF noted that many citizens continue to endure natural disasters, insecurity, displacement, economic hardship, poverty and various forms of deprivation. According to the forum, these challenges have disrupted economic activities, forced schools to close, separated families and, in many cases, broken homes and destroyed livelihoods. It lamented that some of these painful and inhuman conditions are perpetrated or worsened by those entrusted with leadership and governance.
"This situation calls for sober reflection. Leadership is a sacred trust. Those entrusted with public authority must continually remember that they hold such positions in trust for the people and for the common good," the statement said.
Osuman extended warm greetings, goodwill, love and renewed assurance of salvation, hope and better times to all Nigerians, especially those in the Arewa region.
The ACF said the 66th Independence Anniversary was an appropriate moment to pause and reflect on the state of the nation and the experiences of its people across various geographical locations. It posed a series of questions: "Today, 1 October 2026, provides the Arewa Consultative Forum and, indeed, all Nigerians, with an opportunity for introspection and reflection. We must ask ourselves: Who are we as a people and as a region? Have we become increasingly individualistic, or are we still committed to collaboration and collective responsibility? Are we increasingly circumscribed by the pursuit of 'self' rather than the advancement of 'us'?"
The forum also asked whether Nigerians are truly united or divided along lines of tribe, faith, political affiliation, personal interests, ego, relevance and self-embellishment, describing these as difficult but necessary questions.
"As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Consultative Forum calls for renewed commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship, justice, good governance and the dignity of every Nigerian. Let us remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us. We may differ in tribe, faith, language, political persuasion and geographical origin, but our common destiny as Nigerians binds us together," Osuman said.
The ACF reminded northerners that diversity should be a source of strength, not a reason for division. It stated: "The strength of any society lies not merely in its numbers or resources, but in the quality of its unity, its shared values, its commitment to justice and its willingness to place the common good above narrow personal interests."
The forum urged parents, elders and teachers to serve as moral, ethical and exemplary guides for the younger generation. It stressed that youths must be taught honesty, discipline, respect, hard work, tolerance, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law. The ACF concluded that securing Nigeria's future cannot be left to government alone; it requires the collective responsibility of families, traditional institutions, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations and citizens.
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