The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced strong disappointment over the actions of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of focusing more on premature political campaigns and orchestrating mass defections ahead of the 2027 general elections than tackling the worsening security and socio-economic challenges plaguing the country.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF criticized the Federal Government for its ineffective approach to addressing the persistent insecurity, especially in northern Nigeria. The forum decried the stark contrast between the extravagant spending habits of government officials and the daily sacrifices made by ordinary citizens.
Highlighting an example of such fiscal recklessness, the ACF referenced controversial provisions in the proposed 2025 federal budget, particularly allocations for streetlight projects allegedly costing over ₦260 million each. The forum lamented that there has been no official rebuttal or clarification of these budgetary anomalies, which it described as glaring indicators of the insensitivity of public officials to the suffering of Nigerians.
The forum further noted that similar questionable expenditures are likely mirrored across various state budgets, underscoring what it termed a deeper, systemic issue within the country’s political economy. It called for urgent policy reforms to address these foundational problems.
ACF expressed concern over what it described as a “delusional sense of confidence” among government officials responsible for national security, noting a wide disconnect between their public statements and the realities on the ground as reported by state governors. The group warned that this dismissive attitude could further fuel public disillusionment, frustration, and hopelessness among the populace.
Despite these bleak circumstances, the forum commended Nigerians for their resilience, particularly their ability to celebrate religious events like Eid-el-Kabir in the face of mounting hardships. It described the Eid as a profound reminder of the values of sacrifice, unity, and gratitude to God, even during difficult times.
While extending warm felicitations to the Muslim community during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the ACF acknowledged the ongoing struggles of Nigerians amidst economic pressures such as rising inflation, soaring cost of living, and diminishing value of wages and salaries.
In conclusion, the forum expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current challenges can be surmounted through the sincere application of good governance principles at all levels of government—local, state, and federal.
