The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep concern over the situation of the North under President Bola Tinubu, blaming poor socio-economic policies for the deteriorating conditions of the region.

The forum warned that the region could face even harsher realities unless urgent steps are taken. To solve this problem, ACF announced its support for Northern politicians determined to save the North and the nation in the 2027 elections.

ACF President, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), at the National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, described the North as “under siege” due to insecurity, unfair treatment and deteriorating economic conditions. He called for collective action to overcome the challenges in the region and chart a path forward.

Osuman also noted concerns about leadership in the North, urging elected officials and stakeholders to prioritize solutions to the region’s internal and environmental problems.

He questioned the role of traditional leaders, religious institutions and elites in resolving critical issues including insecurity, illegal mining and public awareness.

He said: “There is now a clear call for individual sacrifices and individual contributions for the survival of our region and the liberation of our oppressed people.

“Many of our brothers in the region are inclined towards politics and political offices as of 2027. They are already focused on the 2027 elections. While politics is essential to our climate, the current moment requires recognition of the plight of our region and strategic efforts to ameliorate the challenges that beset our people.

“I understand their feelings. There is no doubt that the North is currently under siege. Our beloved region is not only subjected to vicious attacks by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers, but is also targeted by sinister means such as disproportionate assessments and unfair treatment.”

He noted that the emergence of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) was a positive step towards confronting the challenges of the North, emphasizing the group’s focus on combating poverty, unemployment and the collapse of key institutions.

He added: “I recently received an invitation from a new formation called the League of Northern Democrats (LND). Attached to the invitation were seven pages listing 260 names, most of them former governors, senators, and well-known elder sons and daughters of the North. I recognize that some of the current administration’s policies are abhorrent and contrary to our interests as a region.

“ACF believes that certain policies and behaviors of our leaders in our region need critical evaluation. In this regard, I raise the following questions: To what extent do our elected leaders act with common sense and show interest in our internal and environmental problems?

“To what extent are our governors and legislators synergizing with our traditional leaders in combating the diseases that exist in our region? To the extent that some of our sons, daughters, sisters and brothers are sometimes complicit in the unrest, diseases and crimes that torment us in our region, what are we (Thought Leaders and Stakeholders) doing to stop their evil tendencies? and trends?”

“Have our parents, religious teachers and elites initiated an orientation and social awareness that will educate our people about the need for self-defense and self-protection? In some states, illegal mining is being done by foreigners with the help of our own people. “What local strategies are being implemented to stop this immorality?” he added.

Supporting the LND’s targets, the ACF President said the targets were “established in response to the worsening situation in Northern Nigeria, a region plagued by endemic poverty, illiteracy, religious and ethnic conflicts, unemployment, insecurity and social security challenges.” The collapse of key institutions. “The diminishing political importance of our region within the larger Nigerian nation-state is also a matter of serious concern that the Union seeks to address.”