The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has issued a strong rebuke to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu's administration, urging them to redirect their focus from early political campaigns for the 2027 elections to addressing the worsening security and economic challenges facing Nigerians.
In a statement signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-cultural group expressed disappointment that the ruling party appears more interested in political maneuvering than tackling urgent national issues.
Security Concerns Take Backseat to Political Ambitions
"The ruling party seems more obsessed with early campaigns, defections, and political moves for re-election than with tackling the real problems facing the country," the ACF stated, highlighting particular concern for northern states where insecurity continues to escalate despite government assurances.
The forum criticized security officials for making what it described as "delusional hubris and head-in-the-sand claims" in official pronouncements, while ignoring the reality that many state governors and communities are under serious threats from armed groups.
Budget Controversy Highlights Government Priorities
The ACF also condemned what it termed "reckless public spending" at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship. The group specifically pointed to controversial allocations in the 2025 federal budget.
"A most perverse illustration of reckless profligacy of public expenditure has been the revelation about insertions in the 2025 federal budget for the provision of streetlights at a staggering and unimaginable cost of over N260 million each," the statement noted.
"That there has to date been no official denial of such crassly reckless and surreal insertions attests to the insensitivity of public officials and political representatives to the plight of ordinary Nigerians," it added.
Warning of Growing Public Discontent
The ACF warned that continued neglect of citizens' needs could lead to mass discontent and despair. Despite these challenges, the group acknowledged the resilience of Nigerians, particularly noting how communities continue to celebrate important occasions like Eid-el-Kabir despite hardships.
The forum used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to the Muslim community, encouraging Nigerians to uphold values of sacrifice, unity, and devotion during these difficult times.
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, the ACF's intervention highlights growing concerns about governance priorities in Nigeria's current administration.
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