Adebayo urges Northern leaders to shape Nigeria’s future through consultative dialogue

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called on leaders in Northern Nigeria to urgently engage in national reflection, non-partisan dialogue, and the restoration of principled governance across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday during a visit to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) leadership in Abuja, Adebayo emphasized the North’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future. He addressed key issues including the region’s centrality to national development, the crisis of episodic governance, and the need to engage a new generation of leaders.

“Thank you for the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum. This premier institution in Northern Nigeria has received us today. Northern Nigeria is not for foreigners alone; it is the crown jewel of the Nigerian state,” Adebayo said.

He commended the contributions of ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed Dalhatu, describing him as a tireless servant of the nation who has served across multiple transitional administrations.

Tracing Nigeria’s journey from the 1914 amalgamation to contemporary challenges, Adebayo warned that the country cannot afford to reverse its national project. He criticized modern governance for short-termism, contrasting it with early National Development Plans that prioritized long-term infrastructure and human capital projects.

“Today, a politician in his own country says something far away, and it’s enough fuel to tear ourselves apart. Even something as fundamental as Nigeria’s sovereignty is up for debate,” he said.

Adebayo also addressed the issue of religious polarization in the North, cautioning against valuing human life differently based on faith.

“If we understand the North well in politics, and if the North understands us, we will have solved the majority of Nigeria’s problems,” he asserted, urging elders to use their influence to foster national cohesion.

He outlined a vision of inclusive governance for the next generation of leadership, emphasizing accountability and service delivery:

“We will give a government that is incorruptible, one that provides services… Nigeria is pan-Nigerian; our alliance is to Nigeria first. We will consult with leaders, learn from their experiences, and call upon you to speak out.”

In response, ACF Board of Trustees Chairman Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu said: “Nigeria needs people who think in a united manner.”

He noted that the forum, established 25 years ago, aims to protect the social, cultural, and economic interests of the North within the broader Nigerian context. Dalhatu emphasized that the ACF’s engagements are non-partisan, focusing on shared challenges such as security, unemployment, and youth welfare.

“The ACF has always welcomed politicians. Those moments allow us to exchange ideas, see which politicians are genuinely concerned about tackling these problems, and share knowledge,” he said, inviting Adebayo to future gatherings and reaffirming the forum’s commitment to transparency, cooperation, and national unity.

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