The crisis within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) escalated on Tuesday after police operatives blocked access to the group’s national headquarters in Kaduna, preventing a scheduled National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The secretariat along Sokoto Road was cordoned off with security vehicles stationed at the entrance, while members of the NEC led by Mamman Mike Osuman were set to hold an emergency meeting at the venue.
In a statement titled “ACF Head Office Under Siege,” Osuman accused the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, of exceeding his constitutional powers and attempting to disrupt the planned meeting. He alleged that some officials of the National Working Committee were restricted within the premises, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Dalhatu, however, issued a counter-position, calling the planned meeting illegitimate and urging members to stay away. He argued that the Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, lacked the authority to convene such a meeting, insisting his tenure had already expired.
The Nigeria Police Force said its deployment was a preventive measure aimed at avoiding a breakdown of law and order, noting intelligence reports suggesting that rival factions were preparing to hold parallel meetings that could trigger unrest.
The leadership dispute within the ACF has been ongoing, centred on disagreements over constitutional authority between the NEC and the Board of Trustees. The situation has been further complicated by allegations of financial mismanagement involving an endowment fund reportedly worth ₦3.9 billion.
Additional tension emerged after retired General Haliru Akilu claimed that the tenures of key officials had expired, further deepening the leadership controversy.
Although there were claims of possible mediation by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, officials from the Sultanate Council said they were not aware of any intervention, noting that the Sultan is currently abroad.
Despite police restrictions, some NEC members remained at the headquarters, confirming that access to the building had been limited.
Osuman insisted that the NEC and NWC had constitutional backing to convene meetings and accused the BoT leadership of undermining the organisation. He also called on the Inspector-General of Police to step in to prevent further escalation.
Dalhatu maintained that any meeting held under the current circumstances would be invalid and risk worsening internal divisions.
Meanwhile, some members of the forum have called on respected northern leaders, including former heads of state Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, to intervene and help resolve the dispute.
The ACF Ethics Committee has also confirmed receipt of a petition over alleged financial irregularities linked to the ₦3.9 billion fund. The committee said it is currently reviewing the matter and is expected to reach a conclusion within two weeks.
