2027: SDP Presidential candidate, Prince Adebayo visits Arewa Consultative Forum
….urges for national unity, accountable governance
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and other regional organizations in the country to use their moral authority and influence to foster unity, strengthen governance, and address the nation’s s multifaceted pressing challenges.
Prince Adebayo stated this while speaking during a courtesy visit to the ACF Secretariat in Abuja where he commended the Forum for its leadership and long-standing commitment to national service, describing it as a “fallback institution” that has consistently provided direction during critical moments in Nigeria’s history.
Prince Adebayo emphasized that his visit was not politically motivated, but part of the ongoing consultations with stakeholders committed to nation-building ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged the ACF and its sister organizations—including the Northern Elders Forum, Middle Belt Forum, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the South-South Forum—to help restore national cohesion through dialogue and non-partisan engagement.
According to him, “Northern Nigeria is not for Northerners alone; it is the crown jewel of the Nigerian state,
“If there’s a private state of Nigeria, it’s in the North. The journey to nationhood started in 1914. There’s no reverse gear in the vehicle of Nigeria—it’s a train moving forward.”
“We are here not because of politics. We came as Nigerians who want to have certain conversations before partisanship takes over,” he explained. “When we return for politics, you’ll see us better dressed—with our party symbols. But today, we’ve come as patriots”
He lamented what he described as “episodic governance,” where successive administrations abandon national development plans and projects started by their predecessors.
According to him, ” in the 1960–1965 National Development Plan, whichever party came into government continued with the plan. Today, even roads designed decades ago remain unbuilt. Our politics has become every man for himself,”
“If we understand the North well in politics, and if the North understands us, we will have solved most of Nigeria’s problems, Religion should not determine our humanity or our opportunities” he stressed
He also called for the inclusion of the younger generation in leadership, stressing that youth across Nigeria must be given a chance to contribute meaningfully to governance.
“We love this country too. The politics we will do will leave no one behind; it won’t be based on origin but on accountability. We will give a government that is incorruptible and service-driven,” he pledged.
While responding, the Chairman Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu welcomed the Prince Adebayo and his delegation, commending his passion for unity and reform.
According to him, “Your name has gone far and wide, and your desire for nation-building is well known”:
“The ACF was established 25 years ago to promote and protect the social, cultural, and economic interests of the North within the context of a united Nigeria. We are first and foremost Nigerians, and then Northern Nigerians.”
He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to engaging with leaders and political figures who share a vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
“We welcome politicians because such visits allow us to exchange ideas on tackling security, unemployment, and the rising number of out-of-school children—issues affecting not just the North, but the entire country,” he added.
Alhaji Mohammed-Dalhatu also announced that the Forum would celebrate its 25th anniversary in Kaduna, inviting the Prince to attend and participate in the discussions on national unity and development.
“We are open and transparent and want to consolidate brotherhood across Nigeria. God bless you and God bless Nigeria”
