A prominent member of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alwan Hassan, has dismissed accusations by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)—a key northern socio-cultural organization—that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has neglected the country’s northern regions. During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today program Tuesday, Hassan branded the ACF as an opposition group aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a longtime political rival of Tinubu.
Hassan’s remarks came in response to claims by the ACF, which recently criticized the federal government for perceived marginalization of northern states in policy and development initiatives. The APC leader argued that the forum has strayed from its original mandate as a nonpartisan advocacy body, calling it a platform for politicians disaffected with the ruling party. “These are Atiku’s people,” Hassan said, alleging that many ACF members are aggrieved APC defectors or sympathizers of Abubakar, who lost to Tinubu in the contentious 2023 presidential election.
He also cited tensions between the APC and ACF during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor, who similarly faced criticism from the group over issues affecting the north. “We tackled them under Buhari, and we will do it again,” Hassan declared, dismissing suggestions of a rift between Tinubu’s government and northern Nigeria.
Founded in 2000, the ACF has historically positioned itself as a voice for the north’s interests, addressing issues like insecurity and economic disparities. However, Hassan accused the organization of prioritizing politics over advocacy, stating, “The group is supposed to [represent] leaders, but now it’s purely political. They are not for northern Nigeria.”
The exchange underscores deepening political fissures in Nigeria, where regional and ethnic allegiances often influence public discourse. Northern Nigeria, which faces acute challenges including poverty, insurgency, and unequal resource distribution, has been a critical battleground in recent elections. Tinubu, a southern Yoruba politician, has faced scrutiny over policies perceived to favor southern regions, though his supporters argue his reforms aim for national economic stability.
While Hassan’s comments reflect the APC’s efforts to counter criticism, they also highlight the broader struggle for influence among Nigeria’s political elites. The ACF has not yet publicly responded to his allegations. Analysts note that such clashes may intensify as the government navigates complex socio-economic pressures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
