ACF denies leadership change, affirms constitutional process
By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
KADUNA — The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has dismissed reports alleging a change in its leadership, describing the claim as false, unconstitutional, and without effect.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Forum said no organ or official of the body authorised such a development, urging members, the media, and the public to disregard the report.
The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, quoted the Chairman, Mike Mamman Mike Osuman, as directing that a formal disclaimer be issued to correct what it described as a misleading impression.
According to the Forum, the alleged leadership change did not follow due process as stipulated in its constitution, stressing that only its General Assembly has the authority to approve or ratify leadership positions.
ACF clarified that its Board of Trustees is limited to providing advisory support on the organisation’s objectives and does not possess the power to initiate or enforce leadership changes. It added that the National Executive Committee (NEC) remains the only body empowered to establish operational committees.
The Forum further noted that the Leadership Selection Committee is an ad hoc structure constituted by NEC when necessary, adding that the last committee concluded its assignment in 2023 and has since been dissolved.
On the position of Secretary General, ACF reaffirmed that Murtala Aliyu remains in office pending the emergence of a successor through established procedures.
While acknowledging the confusion generated by the reports, the Forum maintained that it is not experiencing any leadership crisis, though it raised concerns about attempts by certain elements to destabilise the organisation.
ACF also warned that only its authorised publicity channels are empowered to issue official statements, advising the public to treat any contrary communication as invalid.
The Chairman called on members to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring stakeholders that the Forum would continue to uphold its constitutional provisions and institutional integrity.