The apex northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has voiced out their decision to support a Northern candidate and others who might be seeking political offices in the 2027 general election, to save the North and the country in general.

This was made known by the National Chairman of ACF, Mamman Mike Osuman, while speaking during Forum’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the ACF secretariat in Kaduna on Wednesday.

The ACF chieftain noted that the meeting was aimed at x-raying the deplorable situation the Northern region found itself at the moment while urging Northerners to brace up to their responsibilities in saving the region from bad governance through the 2027 elections.

“There is now a clarion call for individual sacrifices and individual inputs for the survival of our region and the emancipation of our downtrodden people.

“A sizeable number of our brothers and sisters in the region have demonstrated proclivity towards politics and political offices come 2027. They are already focusing on the 2027 elections. While politics is sine qua non in our clime, this present moment calls for the recognition of our Region’s plights and strategic efforts for ameliorating hardships that have beseeched on people.

“I do understand their feelings. It is not in doubt that the North is currently under siege. Our dear region is not only being viciously attacked by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers but also by sinister devices like disproportionate considerations and inequitable treatment.

“Not long ago, I received an invitation from a new body called League of Northern Democrats (LND) attached to the invitation were seven (7) pages wherein were listed 260 names most of whom were former Governors, Senators and known great sons and daughters from the North. I do admit that some policies of the current administration are repugnant and adverse to our interests as a region.

“ACF believes that certain policies and behaviours of our leaders within our region need some critical evaluation. It is in that vein that I raise the following questions; to what extent are our elected leaders demonstrating prudence and concern for our domestic and environmental problems?

“To what extent are our Governors and legislators synergising with our traditional leaders in combating ills that exist within our region? To the extent that some of our sons, daughters, sisters and brothers are sometimes criminal participants in the disquiet, ills and crimes that torment us in our region, what are we (LEADERS OF THOUGHT AND STAKEHOLDERS) doing towards arresting their evil trend and propensities.

“Have our parents, religious teachers and the elites initiated an orientation and public awareness that will educate our people on the need for self-defence and self-preservation?

“Illegal minings by foreigners aided by our people exist in some states. What local strategies are on the ground towards arresting this vice,” Osuman stated.

Supporting the objectives of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), the ACF chairman added that the objectives have been “constituted in response to the worsening condition in Northern Nigeria a region that has been plagued by endemic poverty, illiteracy, religious and ethnic conflicts, unemployment, insecurity and the collapse of key institutions.

“The waning political relevance of our region within the larger Nigerian nation-state is also a matter of grave concern that the League seeks to address.”

The Senate caucus of the People’s Democratic Party declared in Abuja Wednesday that the party’s identity transcends its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking to journalists after a two-hour closed-door meeting on Wednesday, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), emphasized the need for the PDP to focus on strengthening its structure and preparing for future electoral challenges.

“The PDP is not just about Damagun or Wike; the PDP is about its members.

We are working tirelessly to ensure that the party returns to its winning ways,” Moro said.

Reflecting on the party’s recent setbacks in gubernatorial elections, Moro acknowledged the challenges but maintained optimism about the PDP’s ability to bounce back.

” We discussed the life of our party, particularly in the context of recent electoral losses. While it is painful to lose, every failure is a lesson for future success.

“Our efforts are now geared towards ensuring PDP does not face such setbacks again, especially in states like Osun where we currently hold government.”

Moro also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) over its handling of elections, calling for reforms to restore credibility in the electoral process.

The caucus downplayed the significance of Wike’s perceived alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ) , describing it as a temporary distraction.

Moro drew parallels with the political dynamics in the United States, where members of opposing parties sometimes endorse candidates across party lines.

“Wike’s actions are not unusual. What matters is the collective resolve of the PDP to work against any forces undermining the party’s stability,” he said.

He further reiterated the PDP’s commitment to reclaiming lost mandates, citing the party’s determination to fight for justice in states like Edo, where he alleged the party’s mandate was “stolen.”

Despite recent challenges, Moro expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience, describing it as a “brand” with a legacy of overcoming setbacks.

***Says False Allegations Targeted at Derailing Massive Progress

The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria (CTJN) has commended Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his remarkable achievements in transforming the nation’s capital.

The CTJN said that false accusations against the Minister are aimed to derail the progress and frustrate his efforts.

The group, after an extensive appraisal of Wike’s achievements, said the Minister has proven critics wrong, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, convener Dr. Agabi Emmanuel said under Wike, infrastructure development has been prioritized, addressing population pressure, urban sprawl, and neglected areas.

Agabi noted that the FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital, with proactive measures addressing housing, transportation, healthcare, and governance infrastructure.

He said Wike’s administration has addressed land grabbing, reclaiming illegally occupied lands for mass housing projects.

The group also said that judges now have befitting accommodations, and rural healthcare has seen significant investments while teacher welfare packages have been improved, and the FCT Civil Service Commission has been established to decentralize governance.

The Coalition recommends continued support from stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders promoting peaceful coexistence, and security agencies maintaining vigilance. Wike’s leadership represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development, creating a legacy worthy of duplication.

Given the right support, the group said Nigerians and FCT residents can expect improved living standards.

The Coalition commends Wike’s initiatives and encourages other states to replicate them. His achievements demonstrate commitment to equitable development, improved quality of life, and sustainable growth.

“Our findings revealed that the FCT administration under Barrister Neysom Wike indeed prioritized the provision of necessary infrastructures across the various area councils in the federal capital territory. In the past, the FCT has had problems because of population pressure, urban sprawl, and the disregard for important areas,” the statement said.

“Right now, FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital thanks to the proactive measures made by Barrister Wike’s leadership to address these problems. In order to identify priority regions across the many area councils, the administration has used a rigorous approach.

“Undoubtedly, a functional road network is a critical factor to urban development, economic activities, and the general well-being of residents. Recognizing this, it was also observed that the FCT Administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike has undertaken a major renovation of the road network within the Federal Capital City Centre.

“This is evident in the news look of the city centre and other adjourning areas in the federal capital territory. The FCT administration has also commissioned new roads in areas that were neglected by successive administrations in the country. These efforts are not merely about repairing roads but transforming them to meet modern urban standards.

“The FCT administration, led by Barrister Wike, has made large investments in security, which is a fundamental component of any flourishing community. The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has also addressed the notorious issue of land grabbing in the FCT.

“The honourable minister went a step further by reclaiming these lands which obviously are not backed with any legal or verifiable documents, and reallocating them for mass housing developmental projects. This is indeed commendable and a step in the right direction in addressing the housing deficit in the FCT while ensuring that land resources are utilized for the public good.

“The FCT administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike recently initiated steps towards providing befitting accommodation for judges. This in our opinion is brilliant and a welcome development in line with standard practices in other climes. It is believed that the members of the law deserve dignified living conditions.

“Supporting the judiciary is a step toward strengthening governance and promoting sustainable development. The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria recommends this brilliant initiative to other states in the country in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

“It is indeed a statement of the fact that the FCT administration has made substantial investments in improving access to healthcare for rural dwellers within the FCT. This much was recognized by the Coalition for Truth and Justice in the construction of new healthcare centres and the equipping of existing healthcare centres across the FCT. The value of lives and properties have been at the top priority of the working Minister.

“The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has substantial improvements in the remuneration and welfare packages for school teachers in the FCT. This, in our opinion, is the manifestation of a premium placed on improving workers’ welfare in the FCT towards achieving a productive workforce to aid in the development of the FCT.

“The FCT Administration in an attempt to decentralize governance in the FCT, established the FCT Civil Service Commission with the appointment of nine permanent secretaries to oversee critical sectors of the FCT.

“The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has indeed fared brilliantly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

“Barrister Nyesom Wike’s leadership of the FCT administration represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development which is unmatchable by no one so far. He has created a legacy of transformation that’s worthy of duplicity by any leader that wishes to make a difference. We commend his initiatives and encourages other states to replicate it”.