Turmoil In ACF: BoT Chairman Suspended As Constitutional Crisis Deepens

The decision was reached during an emergency NEC meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, amid rising tension within the forum following reports that police restricted access to its headquarters ahead of the gathering.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukor Muhammad-Baba, disclosed that representatives from about 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the session, which was eventually held at an alternative location after members were reportedly barred from entering the secretariat.

He said the NEC strongly condemned the restriction, describing it as unlawful interference in the forum’s internal affairs and a breach of the constitutional right to freedom of association.

Muhammad-Baba dismissed claims of a leadership crisis within the ACF, stating that the situation stemmed from misinterpretations of the organisation’s constitution and alleged attempts by certain individuals to overstep their authority.

He explained that the meeting also reviewed a report from the Ethics and Conduct Committee, which had been set up to investigate a petition concerning financial management and governance within the forum. According to him, the committee’s initial findings raised serious concerns about due process and financial practices.

The NEC, he said, agreed that the issues identified required further investigation to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that such matters could not be ignored.

Following the committee’s recommendation, the NEC passed a vote of no confidence in Dalhatu and approved his immediate suspension as BoT Chairman, pending the outcome of further investigations.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to due process and internal accountability, stressing that the decision was taken to safeguard its integrity and ensure adherence to its constitution.

It also maintained that its leadership structure remains intact, attributing the recent tension to attempts by some individuals to misrepresent the constitution and assume powers not granted to them.

The ACF urged its members across the North and the FCT to remain calm and allow established internal mechanisms to address the issues.

It further reiterated its condemnation of the reported police blockade of its Kaduna headquarters, describing it as an unacceptable intrusion into its operations and rights.