The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has rejected the suspension of its chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, describing the action as unconstitutional, illegal and a calculated attempt to destabilise the northern socio-political body.

In a statement on Sunday, the BoT maintained that the National Executive Committee (NEC) lacked the constitutional authority to appoint, suspend or remove any member of the board, including its chairman.

The trustees accused what they described as a “tiny, disgruntled minority” within the forum of convening an illegitimate meeting on May 6, 2026, during which Dalhatu, the Wazirin Dutse, was allegedly suspended.

“The Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum unequivocally condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the reckless, illegal and ill-advised actions of a tiny, disgruntled minority within the Forum,” the statement read.

The statement was signed by several prominent northern leaders, including former governors Abdullahi Adamu, Ibrahim Shekarau, Sule Lamido, Saminu Turaki and Umar Al-Makura.

Others include former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed D. Abubakar, former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai.

The BoT said the purported suspension amounted to “gross insubordination” and a direct violation of the ACF constitution and established traditions.

The board insisted that there was no leadership crisis within the forum, blaming the controversy on individuals allegedly pursuing personal interests.

The BoT specifically accused former Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, whose tenure reportedly expired on March 10, 2026, of orchestrating the crisis.

It said all actions taken by Aliyu after the expiration of his tenure were “null, void and of no effect,” adding that he was currently under investigation over his conduct while in office.

The trustees also criticised the Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Mike Mamman Osuman, for allegedly permitting what they described as “unfounded and malicious allegations” against Dalhatu.

The BoT disclosed that it had ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which it described as a deliberate attempt to damage the forum’s reputation.

The board reassured northerners that the ACF remained united and committed to promoting the interests and unity of Northern Nigeria.

The BoT also moved to calm concerns over donations made to the ACF Endowment Fund Project, assuring the public that all funds were secure and beyond the reach of the secretariat or NEC.

The trustees reaffirmed their confidence in Dalhatu and vowed to take decisive measures to restore discipline and order within the organisation.

Background to the crisis

The ACF crisis happened after its NEC suspended Dalhatu over allegations of financial and administrative misconduct.

Announcing the decision after an emergency NEC meeting in Kaduna, the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad Baba, said the committee also passed a vote of no confidence in the BoT chairman.

According to Baba, delegates from 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the meeting, which resolved to suspend Dalhatu pending the outcome of investigations into alleged financial malfeasance.

He explained that the allegations were referred to the ACF Ethics, Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Committee, which reportedly invited Dalhatu to respond, but he failed to honour the invitation.

Chairman of the ACF Code of Conduct Committee, Nuhu Muhammad Jamo, alleged that Dalhatu interfered in the functions of other organs of the forum and was directly involved in operational financial activities. (Daily Trus)