Tension deepened within northern political circles after the Nigeria Police Force sealed the Kaduna headquarters of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) just hours before a crucial National Executive Council meeting.
In a strongly worded protest, ACF described the action as illegal and unjustified, noting there was no court order backing the move. The forum insisted the meeting was constitutionally convened by its chairman, Mamman Osuman, dismissing claims of cancellation linked to an unsigned circular.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the growing role of security agencies in internal political affairs. Critics argue that such actions—especially without transparency—fuel suspicion of state interference in independent organisations.
ACF leaders urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene and reverse the decision, stressing that previous meetings had held peacefully with security agencies fully informed.
With delegates already in Kaduna, the shutdown not only disrupts the forum’s activities but also highlights a troubling pattern where administrative force appears to override due process. For many observers, the episode reinforces fears about shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
