The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asked Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable for their performance, particularly in addressing insecurity, poverty, economic hardship, and other challenges confronting the country.
The chairman of the forum, Mamman Osuman, gave the charge in his message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing concern over the displacement of citizens, disruption of economic activities, closure of schools, and destruction of livelihoods.
He noted that some of the painful conditions confronting Nigerians were being perpetrated or aggravated by people entrusted with leadership and governance.
“Sadly, some of these painful and inhuman circumstances are perpetrated or aggravated by people into whose hands we have entrusted the responsibility of leadership and governance. This situation calls for sober reflection. Leadership is a sacred trust. Those entrusted with public authority must continually remember that they hold such positions in trust for the people and for the common good,” he said.
Osuman emphasized that leadership should be regarded as a sacred trust rather than an avenue for pursuing personal interests.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, he urged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process. However, he warned voters against making electoral choices solely on the instructions of political parties, urging them to examine candidates’ records, policies, and the issues affecting the country before deciding whom to support.
“Our votes should be based on individual analysis, conscience, judgment, and assessment of the candidates and the issues, rather than merely responding to the clarion calls or directives of any political party. The vote of every citizen is a personal expression of choice and a constitutional instrument for determining who should be entrusted with public responsibility. Let us therefore vote responsibly, peacefully, and conscientiously,” Osuman said.
The ACF chairman also expressed concern over the possibility of election-related violence, appealing to political actors and citizens—particularly youths—to exercise restraint before, during, and after the elections.
He further called on Nigerians to reject inflammatory political rhetoric, provocation, and the destruction of lives and property, noting that differences in political opinions should not lead to hatred or violence.
“I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings, and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to be trouble-prone. No political contest is worth the loss of a human life. Let us reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, provocation, and the destruction of lives and property. Differences of political opinion should never become reasons for hatred, violence, or the destruction of our communities,” he noted.
He maintained that securing the country’s future requires collective responsibility from government and citizens alike.
“As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, the Arewa Consultative Forum calls for renewed commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship, justice, good governance, and the dignity of every Nigerian,” the ACF chairman said.
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