- Prominent Northern leaders are intervening to resolve internal conflicts within the Arewa Consultative Forum following the suspension of Chairman Mamman Osuman
- Osuman’s suspension was due to unauthorized remarks about supporting a regional presidential candidate, prompting legal action and calls for reconciliation
Prominent Northern leaders are working to resolve the internal conflict within the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) following the suspension of its National Executive Committee (NEC) Chairman, Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN).
Ambassador Ibrahim Maisule, Vice Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees (BoT), confirmed the intervention efforts in an interview with Daily Trust on Thursday.
Alhaji Nasiru Danu, Chairman of the ACF’s newly formed Media and Publicity Committee, also affirmed these developments during a visit to the Media Trust Group in Abuja.
Mr. Osuman’s suspension stemmed from remarks allegedly made during a NEC meeting on November 20, 2024, suggesting Northern support for a regional presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
A letter signed by ACF Secretary-General Malam Murtala Aliyu and BoT Chairman Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu described these statements as unauthorized and reflective of Mr. Osuman’s personal opinions.
The letter stated:
“ACF rejects Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman’s statements in their entirety. For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and its NEC has decided to suspend Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman with immediate effect.”
Mr. Osuman has reportedly disputed the fairness of his suspension and the process through which it was carried out. Sources close to him revealed he has mobilized a legal team, including eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), to challenge the decision in court.
Influential Northern figures, including Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, are leading efforts to mediate the crisis.
A stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Tuesday focused on the need for swift resolution to prevent further division within the ACF. Another meeting is scheduled for Saturday to continue the reconciliation process.
Ambassador Maisule expressed optimism, saying:
“Discussing the details publicly now is unnecessary, as there is already a serious attempt to resolve the crisis… I trust in their ability to find a resolution, and I remain optimistic about the outcome.”
Alhaji Nasiru Danu emphasized the importance of restoring unity and rejuvenating the ACF, with the Media and Publicity Committee playing a pivotal role in implementing a renewed agenda.
He highlighted the commitment of both the BoT and NEC to overcoming the current challenges and moving the organization forward.