By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The leader of Fulani community in Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammad Abubarkar-Bambado II, and other Arewa (northern) leaders have reaffirmed Alhaji Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare-Gulma as their chairman.

They described reports of his suspension as a nullity and urged members to remain united.

The position emerged at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Thursday convened to address the alleged suspension.

“I hereby quash the rumoured suspension of our chairman, Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare-Gulma, and direct you all to support him. No more rancour,” Abubarkar-Bambado said.

Mai Kano Lawal, Director of Arewa Community Support Group 2023, also dismissed the allegation.

He said the purported suspension was “dead on arrival”, insisting Dandare-Gulma remains firmly in charge.

Alhaji Ibraheem Haruna, Arewa Apex Leader West 2, said due process must guide internal matters.

“There are internal issues within the Arewa Community APC which we need to resolve. Some people took the law into their hands, which we will not allow,” he said.

Haruna, a Board of Trustees member, said the board was unaware of any suspension decision.

“If there is any issue, the BoT must be informed and will decide. We are not aware of any letter suspending the chairman,” he said.

He added that only the BoT has authority to discipline the chairman.

“If necessary, the BoT can dissolve the executive or suspend him. No other authority can do so,” he said.

He said those responsible for the letter had been directed to withdraw it.

“We have instructed them to retrieve the letter and affirm that Alhaji Sa’adu Gulma remains chairman. We will meet them again on Saturday,” he said.

He stressed adherence to constitutional procedures. “In anything you do, follow due process. Without it, nothing can stand,” he said.

The Arewa Community represents northern Nigerians resident in Lagos and plays a role in grassroots mobilisation within the APC in the state.

Internal disputes have periodically tested its cohesion, especially during election cycles and leadership transitions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recent tensions triggered a protest by aggrieved members at the Lagos APC secretariat.

Responding, Dandare-Gulma said he remains chairman until his tenure expires.

“The major resolution is to maintain the status quo,” he said, adding that leaders agreed elections would be conducted at the end of his tenure.

“The suspension is null and void. There is nothing like suspension,” he said, stating that stakeholders resolved to set aside differences.

“They urged us to drop personal interests and focus on the community. We have reached the end of this acrimony. Everybody is now on board,” he said. (NAN)