The Arewa Consultative Forum ACF has denied reports that it is against President Bola Tinubu insisting that the controversial statement was not from the group and does not reflect its position The Forum reaffirmed its respect for democracy and the rights of all Nigerians to contest for leadership .
The Arewa Consultative Forum ACF one of the most influential socio cultural organizations in Northern Nigeria has firmly distanced itself from a statement circulating in the media which suggested that it opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu being the only candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the 2027 presidential election The Forum explained that the claims do not represent its views or official decisions describing them as misleading and misrepresented .
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Context and Origin of the Statement
The controversial report alleged that the ACF had taken a stand against President Tinubu emerging as the sole candidate of the APC in 2027 Some media outlets claimed that the Forum rejected moves to endorse Tinubu for a second term without allowing for a competitive primary or the participation of other aspirants These stories fueled speculation that the North through the ACF was already positioning itself against the president .
ACFs Clarification and Disowning
In a swift reaction the ACF issued a clarification stressing that it is not a political party and therefore does not engage in partisan endorsements or candidate restrictions The Forum categorically disowned the anti Tinubu statement insisting that it was never sanctioned or approved by its leadership According to the group the statement was unverified misrepresented and entirely inconsistent with the collective position of the organization .
ACFs Position on 2027 APC Ticket and Democracy
The Forum reiterated its unwavering commitment to democracy and constitutional rights It stated that every qualified Nigerian irrespective of region zone or political affiliation has the right to aspire to any office including the presidency The ACF explained that it would not be part of any scheme to impose or exclude a candidate ahead of the 2027 elections Its spokesperson made it clear that the Forum is guided by principles of fairness inclusivity and respect for the rule of law rather than partisan interests .
Reactions and Implications
The clarification by the ACF has attracted attention across political circles especially as the race for 2027 begins to take shape Analysts believe that the Forum moved quickly to calm internal tensions and prevent its name from being used to justify actions that might suppress open democratic competition Some observers also view the disowning as a signal to political stakeholders that the North is not taking a monolithic position on Tinubus second term but is instead leaving space for democratic engagement The incident highlights the growing tension between party structures that prefer consensus candidates and those advocating for transparent primaries .
Significance for APC and Northern Political Discourse
The controversy underscores the delicate role played by socio cultural groups in Nigeria While the ACF is not a political party its statements often carry weight and can influence public opinion in the North By disowning the statement the Forum sought to protect its credibility and reaffirm its neutral stance For the APC the episode raises questions about how it intends to manage its presidential ticket in 2027 Will the party allow for open primaries or will it tilt toward consolidating support around the incumbent The answer to this question could shape both internal democracy and broader electoral competition .
Conclusion
The disowning of the anti Tinubu statement by the Arewa Consultative Forum is a reminder of the importance of clarity in political communication As Nigeria prepares for another presidential race narratives and endorsements will continue to be contested The ACF has taken a firm stand that it respects democratic principles and the rights of all qualified Nigerians to seek office Its position signals that it will not be drawn into partisan struggles or premature endorsements By rejecting the false statement the Forum has reinforced its identity as a socio cultural body rather than a political platform and has reminded Nigerians that democracy thrives when all voices are allowed to compete freely .