The Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mamman Mike Osuman, recently voiced significant concerns regarding the rising insecurity in Northern Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. In a statement made during the 79th National Executive Committee meeting of the ACF in Kaduna, he emphasized that the attention of political actors has been diverted from urgent regional challenges such as out-of-school children, hunger, and rising poverty, towards personal ambitions tied to upcoming elections.

Osuman criticized the trend of convoluted political maneuvering and the formation of groups more interested in electoral positioning rather than addressing the pressing crises afflicting the region. He noted that despite persistent insecurity, which has been a significant issue for over a decade in Northern Nigeria, many politicians seem more focused on strategizing for future electoral gain than on the realities of the population suffering from violence, kidnappings, and socio-economic hardships.

The warning issued by the ACF comes at a crucial time when the region faces deteriorating conditions and when it is imperative for leaders to prioritize effective governance and long-term strategies that focus on alleviating the suffering of the populace. The implications of this electoral focus could hinder effective responses to insecurity and other social issues, potentially exacerbating the challenges faced by Northern Nigeria as the election period progresses.