From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has denied claims that it endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate during a recent meeting in Ilesha.
In a statement, ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said that the forum’s Secretary-General, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, attended the March 31, 2026, gathering at the invitation of Afenifere strictly as an observer.
It said the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration among regional socio-cultural groups, including ACF and the Northern Elders Forum, with a focus on national development.
ACF said that its participation was solely to foster dialogue and enhance inter-group relations, dismissing SDP’s claims of endorsement.
“The Secretary-General made it clear that ACF does not engage in partisan politics,” the statement said, reiterating the forum’s non-partisan stance. Individual members are free to hold personal political views, but these affiliations don’t reflect the organization’s position. ²
ACF distanced itself from the SDP’s claims and cautioned against unauthorized use of its name to imply political endorsement. The forum urged the public to disregard the statement, reaffirming its commitment to neutrality and promoting unity and progress nationwide.
