ACF Suspends Mamman Osuman Over Anti-Tinubu Remarks

ACF Suspends Mamman Osuman Over Anti-Tinubu Remarks as Afenifere and Other Groups Rally Behind President.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) announced on Thursday the suspension of its chairman Mamman Osuman, following national reactions to the forum’s critique of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, which they claimed had impoverished the northern region. This move comes amid support for President Tinubu from various socio-political groups, including the Yoruba group Afenifere and the Igbo body Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

ACF’s Critique and Subsequent Suspension of Osuman

In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the ACF National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the forum expressed its dissatisfaction with the current economic policies, asserting that they had exacerbated conditions in Northern Nigeria. The communiqué, signed by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, urged President Tinubu to review his administration’s policies to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.

Mamman Osuman, in his remarks, admitted that some of the administration’s policies were detrimental to the interests of the northern region. He also highlighted that many northerners were already gearing up for the 2027 elections, showing a strong interest in political offices.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the ACF suspended Osuman. In a letter signed by the Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, the forum stated that Osuman’s comments did not reflect the collective opinion of the ACF and were made without prior consultation with other leaders. The letter emphasized that the ACF rejects Osuman’s statements entirely and announced the formation of a committee to investigate the matter further.

Support for President Tinubu

Despite the ACF’s internal turmoil, President Tinubu found support from other regional groups. Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and others argued that the current economic challenges were a continuation of issues inherited from the previous administration led by Muhammadu Buhari.

Presidential Response and Focus

Responding to the situation, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, downplayed the controversy. He stated that the President would not engage in the debate, noting that an Arewa candidate could come from any political party. Bwala stressed that the administration was focused on governance rather than the 2027 elections.

He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues, such as hunger and climate change, citing his recent participation in the G20 Summit in Brazil. Bwala emphasized that the President’s primary focus was on improving governance and tackling the country’s critical challenges, not on future elections.

The ACF’s suspension of Mamman Osuman underscores the internal conflicts within the forum and the broader political landscape in Nigeria. While the ACF navigates its internal disagreements, President Tinubu continues to receive backing from key regional groups and remains committed to addressing the nation’s pressing issues. As the political climate evolves, all eyes will be on how these dynamics unfold in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.