The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Federal Government to cease its excessive focus on the 2027 general elections and instead prioritise the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
The forum warned that the ongoing attacks, killings, and abductions by armed groups, alongside the widespread destruction of livelihoods, pose an existential threat to the nation. In a statement, the group accused political office holders of being more concerned with future electoral politics than the immediate safety and survival of Nigerian citizens.
This demand for a shift in governance priorities was made amidst increasing concerns over the country’s security landscape, as various regions continue to struggle with banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
The ACF’s position suggests a growing frustration with the perceived distraction of political stakeholders. By focusing on the 2027 political roadmap, the forum argues, the government is neglecting the fundamental duty of protecting lives and property, which is essential for national stability and economic continuity.
Economic and social impact of insecurity
The destruction of livelihoods mentioned by the ACF has direct implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the agricultural sector. In many parts of the country, specifically in the North-West and North-Central zones, farmers are frequently unable to access their lands due to the fear of being abducted or killed by armed bandits. This has led to reduced food production, rising food inflation, and increased poverty levels in rural communities.
Furthermore, the constant threat of kidnapping for ransom has disrupted local commerce and travel, creating an atmosphere of fear that discourages investment. The ACF maintains that until the government addresses these security deficits with urgency, any political progress made towards the 2027 elections will be built on an unstable foundation.
The forum’s intervention comes at a time when the Nigerian government has frequently emphasised its commitment to tackling insurgency and banditry through various military operations. However, the persistence of these violent acts has led critics to question the efficacy of current strategies and the political will behind them.
While the administration has previously stated that it is working to secure the nation, the ACF’s call highlights a perceived disconnect between government rhetoric and the reality on the ground for many citizens. The forum has urged a return to the core responsibilities of governance, placing the restoration of peace and order at the top of the national agenda.
The Federal Government has not yet released an official response to the ACF’s specific ultimatum. As political activities begin to ramp up in anticipation of the 2027 cycle, the pressure on the presidency to deliver measurable improvements in security is expected to intensify.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
