The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticized the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing early political campaigns and party defections over addressing urgent national concerns. According to a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the group expressed deep concern about the worsening state of security, especially in the northern region, and the lack of effective policy action from the government.
The forum accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being more focused on securing re-election in 2027 than confronting the hardship many Nigerians face. It also raised alarm over what it described as wasteful public spending, citing an example from the proposed 2025 federal budget, where over N260 million was allocated for individual streetlight projects. ACF pointed out that the government has not denied the existence of these questionable budget items, suggesting a troubling level of insensitivity toward the growing suffering of ordinary citizens.
The group noted that this pattern of reckless budgeting is often repeated at the state level and linked it to deeper issues within the country’s political and economic systems. It condemned what it called the “delusional confidence” of security officials, which it said stood in stark contrast to the real-time concerns raised by state governors. The ACF warned that ignoring these realities could increase public frustration and despair.
Despite the difficult conditions, the forum commended the resilience of Nigerians, highlighting their ability to remain hopeful and celebrate religious holidays like Eid-el-Kabir. The group used the occasion to extend warm wishes to the Muslim community and emphasized the importance of sacrifice, unity, and devotion during tough times.
The statement concluded with a call for better governance at all levels, insisting that the country’s current challenges could only be resolved through committed, accountable leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people.
