The Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum has dismissed the purported suspension of its chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, describing the action as illegal, reckless and a violation of the forum’s constitution.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the BoT accused a “tiny, disgruntled minority” within the forum of convening an illegitimate meeting on May 6, 2026, where what it described as unfounded allegations were levelled against Dalhatu.
The trustees maintained that the National Executive Council of the forum lacked the constitutional authority to appoint, suspend or remove members of the Board of Trustees.
“The National Executive Council of ACF lacks the authority whatsoever to make any legal pronouncement on the leadership of the Board of Trustees.
“It has no powers under our Constitution to appoint, suspend or remove any member of the Board of Trustees, let alone its chairman,” the statement said.
The BoT described the action as “a dangerous act of indiscipline, gross insubordination and a blatant attempt to undermine the very foundation of the forum.”
The trustees also accused the Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Mike Mamman Osman, of allowing the alleged illegal actions of the immediate past Secretary-General of the forum, Murtala Aliyu.
According to the BoT, Aliyu’s tenure expired on March 10, 2026, adding that all actions taken by him after that date were “null, void and of no effect.”
It added, “It is particularly regrettable and unfortunate that the Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Mike Mamman Osman (SAN), permitted the illegal actions of the erstwhile Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, whose tenure expired on 10th March 2026,” the statement added.
The BoT further disclosed that Aliyu had been placed under investigation over his conduct while in office.
It said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered into the circumstances surrounding the controversy, which it alleged was aimed at tarnishing the image of the northern socio-political organisation.
“The Board of Trustees has directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this treachery, which, no doubt, was calculated to discredit the forum, malign its hard-earned reputation and relegate it to a scrap heap,” the statement read.
The trustees denied speculations of a leadership crisis within the forum, insisting that the organisation remained united and focused on its mandate.
“There is no leadership crisis or tussle in the Arewa Consultative Forum. What we are witnessing is nothing but the desperate and self-serving machinations of a disgruntled former officer who has refused to vacate his seat after the expiration of his tenure,” the BoT stated.
The forum reaffirmed its confidence in Dalhatu and pledged to restore discipline and order within the organisation.
The statement also assured members of the public that funds donated towards the ACF Endowment Fund were safe and beyond the control of the secretariat, NEC or even the BoT.
According to the board, a high-powered panel had already been constituted to oversee the implementation and management of the endowment fund project.
The statement was endorsed by several prominent northern leaders and former public office holders, including former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu; former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido; former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; and former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, among others.
However, reacting to the allegations, Aliyu insisted that his tenure remained valid, citing his re-election in 2023.
“I was appointed secretary in March 2020, inaugurated in August 2020, re-elected in July 2023 and inaugurated in December 2023. I have documents to support all these,” he said.
He argued that his re-election effectively renewed his mandate, contrary to claims by the BoT that his tenure had expired.
The PUNCH reports that the latest dispute is seen as part of growing internal tensions within the ACF, one of the leading northern socio-political organisations in the country, which has in recent months been grappling with disagreements over leadership structure, administration and the management of its affairs. ENDS.