The Arewa Consultative Forum's governing body has suspended its Board of Trustees chairman. Alhaji Bashir M.
Dalhatu was removed over alleged constitutional violations.
An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee convened in Kaduna on Wednesday. Delegates from 18 northern states and the FCT attended after relocating venues.
Police had restricted access to the ACF headquarters ahead of the gathering. The forum's leadership condemned this as unlawful interference in its operations.
Prof. Tukor Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary, briefed journalists after the session.
He said the committee rejected reports of any leadership crisis within ACF.
Instead, according to him, certain individuals misinterpreted constitutional rules and attempted to seize power. The NEC focused discussion on findings from an Ethics and Conduct Committee.
That committee had investigated a petition regarding how the forum managed finances. Preliminary findings raised serious red flags about due process and financial administration.
The committee recommended further probing into these matters. Based on their report, NEC voted to remove confidence in Dalhatu.
His suspension takes effect immediately, pending completion of investigations. Officials noted the decision followed proper procedures within the organisation.
ACF leadership also condemned what it called police barricading of its premises. They described the action as unacceptable interference with constitutional rights.
The forum reiterated its commitment to internal due process. Sources close to the organisation said tensions had simmered for weeks.
