The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticized President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as an undue focus on early political campaigns and 2027 re-election strategies, rather than addressing pressing national issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed concern that the government appears more interested in political defections and campaign maneuvering than in solving the serious security problems plaguing especially the northern region.
The Forum condemned what it called reckless government spending, pointing to controversial allocations in the 2025 federal budget, including provisions for streetlights reportedly costing over ₦260 million each. The ACF noted that the lack of any official denial of such budgetary excesses reflects a growing disconnect between public officials and the everyday struggles of Nigerians.
“Such extravagant budget items show a disturbing level of insensitivity from those in power, especially when citizens are making daily sacrifices,” the statement read. “These kinds of wasteful insertions are often mirrored at the state level as well.”
The ACF also criticized government officials for what it described as “delusional” and dismissive responses to worsening insecurity, which are often at odds with the realities on the ground reported by state governors. The group warned that continued neglect of these issues could fuel mass frustration, despair, and disillusionment among the populace.
Despite these challenges, the ACF commended the Nigerian people for their resilience, especially during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. It urged leaders to embrace the values of sacrifice, fellowship, and devotion—principles central to the Eid—as a guide to better governance.
The Forum acknowledged the economic struggles many Nigerians face, including inflation, soaring living costs, and the eroding value of wages. It concluded by emphasizing that meaningful change is possible through the consistent application of good governance at all levels—local, state, and federal.