By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum on Sunday rejected the suspension of its chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, describing the move as illegal and unconstitutional. The trustees accused a minority group within the forum of holding an illegitimate meeting on May 6, 2026, to undermine the organisation’s leadership. The BoT also denied reports of a leadership crisis, insisted the forum remained united, and announced an investigation into the conduct of former Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu.
BoT Declares Suspension Illegal
The trustees stated that the National Executive Council lacked the constitutional power to appoint, suspend or remove any BoT member.
According to the statement, the NEC also lacked authority to interfere with the office of the BoT chairman.
“The National Executive Council has no powers under our constitution to suspend or remove the chairman of the Board of Trustees,” the statement noted.
The BoT described the action against Dalhatu as reckless and a direct attack on the forum’s foundation.
ACF Denies Leadership Crisis
The trustees dismissed speculations about a leadership crisis within the organisation.
They stressed that the forum remained stable and focused on its mandate.
“There is no leadership crisis or tussle in the Arewa Consultative Forum,” the BoT said.
The trustees also accused some former officials of pursuing personal interests after leaving office.
BoT Accuses Murtala Aliyu Of Overstaying Tenure
The BoT claimed Aliyu’s tenure expired on March 10, 2026. Therefore, it said every action he took after that date remained invalid.
The trustees further accused the Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Mike Mamman Osman, of allowing the alleged illegal actions.
“It is unfortunate that the NEC chairman permitted the actions of the erstwhile Secretary-General,” the statement added.
However, Aliyu rejected the allegations and defended his position.
He explained that members re-elected him in July 2023 before inaugurating him again in December 2023.
“I have documents to support my appointment and re-election,” Aliyu said.
Investigation Ordered Over Internal Dispute
Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the controversy.
The board argued that the actions of some members aimed to damage the forum’s reputation.
According to the statement, a high-powered panel would oversee the probe and recommend disciplinary measures where necessary.
Endowment Fund Safe, Says BoT
The trustees also assured members and donors that the ACF Endowment Fund remained secure.
They explained that the fund stayed beyond the control of the secretariat, NEC or the BoT.
Furthermore, the board disclosed that a special committee already supervised the implementation and management of the project.
Northern Leaders Back Dalhatu
Several northern political leaders endorsed the statement issued by the BoT.
Those who signed the statement included former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, and former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai.
