ACF to APC, Tinubu: Focus on Insecurity, Economy, Not 2027 Elections

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration to shelve early political campaigns and concentrate on resolving Nigeria’s worsening security and economic crises.

The northern socio-political group made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba.

The ACF expressed disappointment that the APC appeared more concerned with political manoeuvring for the 2027 elections than addressing the pressing needs of Nigerians, especially in the North where insecurity remains rampant.

“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 statement read.

The forum lamented the escalating security challenges in northern states, saying government efforts had so far failed to produce tangible results.

It also decried alleged reckless public spending at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with harsh economic realities.

“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 ACF stated.

The group noted that no official denial had been made regarding the alleged budget irregularities, describing it as a sign of insensitivity by public officials and lawmakers towards the plight of the masses.

The ACF warned that continued neglect of citizens’ welfare could trigger widespread frustration and unrest. It faulted security officials for making what it called unrealistic statements that ignore the grave security threats faced by many state governments and communities.

“Delusional hubris and head-in-the-sand claims continue to characterise pronouncements by officials charged with responsibilities for security,” the forum noted.

Despite the socio-economic hardships, the ACF commended Nigerians for their resilience, particularly their ability to mark significant events such as the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The forum extended Eid greetings to the Muslim faithful, urging all Nigerians to uphold values of sacrifice, unity, and devotion in these challenging times.