- the forum remains a legitimate socio-cultural body with the authority to manage its activities without external interference
- The ACF spokesman also dismissed claims suggesting that the organisation was facing a leadership crisis
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir M. Dalhatu, over alleged violations of the organisation’s constitution.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision was reached during an emergency NEC meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
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The meeting followed tension within the forum after reports emerged that access to the ACF headquarters in Kaduna was restricted by police ahead of the gathering.
Addressing journalists after the session, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukor Muhammad-Baba, said representatives from about 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the emergency meeting.
He explained that members eventually convened at an alternative location after they were reportedly prevented from accessing the forum’s headquarters.
Muhammad-Baba condemned the alleged police action, describing it as unlawful interference in the internal affairs of the organisation and a violation of members’ constitutional right to freedom of association.
According to him, the forum remains a legitimate socio-cultural body with the authority to manage its activities without external interference.
The ACF spokesman also dismissed claims suggesting that the organisation was facing a leadership crisis.
He said the current disagreement stemmed from what he described as attempts by some individuals to misinterpret the forum’s constitution and unlawfully assume authority.
Muhammad-Baba disclosed that discussions at the emergency meeting centred on the report of an Ethics and Conduct Committee set up earlier to investigate a petition relating to governance and financial management within the forum.
He stated that the committee’s preliminary findings revealed concerns over due process and financial administration, prompting the NEC to call for further investigation
According to him, the forum considered the issues serious enough to require additional scrutiny in order to preserve transparency, accountability and internal discipline.
Based on the committee’s recommendations, the NEC passed a vote of no confidence in Dalhatu and approved his suspension as Chairman of the Board of Trustees pending the outcome of further investigations.
The forum said the action was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the organisation and ensure strict adherence to its constitution.
Muhammad-Baba maintained that the ACF’s leadership structure remains intact despite the recent developments.
He urged members across the North and the FCT to remain calm and allow the internal processes of the organisation to take their course.
The forum also reiterated its condemnation of the reported blockade of its Kaduna headquarters, insisting that such actions amounted to unacceptable interference with its operations and constitutional rights.
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