By Stephen Simon
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable for their performance, particularly in tackling insecurity, poverty, economic hardship and other challenges confronting the country.
Chairman of the forum, Mamman Osuman, made the call in his Independence Day message, expressing concern over the displacement of citizens, disruption of economic activities, closure of schools and destruction of livelihoods across the country.
Osuman said some of the conditions affecting Nigerians were being perpetrated or aggravated by people entrusted with leadership and governance. He described leadership as a “sacred trust” and urged public officials to remember that their positions were held in trust for the people and the common good.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ACF chairman called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the electoral process. He, however, urged voters to assess candidates based on their records, policies and the issues affecting the country rather than simply following directives from political parties.
Osuman said citizens should exercise their franchise based on personal analysis, conscience and judgment, describing the vote as a constitutional instrument for determining who should be entrusted with public responsibility. He urged Nigerians to vote peacefully and conscientiously while warning against election-related violence.
The ACF chairman also appealed to political actors and citizens, particularly youths, to exercise restraint before, during and after the 2027 elections. He urged Nigerians to reject inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and the destruction of lives and property, stressing that political differences should not become reasons for hatred or violence.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Osuman called for renewed commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship, justice, good governance and the dignity of every Nigerian. He maintained that securing the country’s future required collective responsibility from both government and citizens.
