The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced strong disappointment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of focusing more on early campaign activities, political defections, and strategies for the 2027 re-election bid than tackling the pressing security crises and other critical challenges facing the country.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Muhammad-Baba, the ACF lamented the ineffective responses to insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, highlighting the disconnect between excessive government spending and the sacrifices endured by ordinary citizens.

The forum condemned what it described as reckless government expenditure, pointing to revelations in the 2025 federal budget which allocated an exorbitant sum—over N260 million per unit—for streetlight installations. The ACF noted the lack of any official denial as evidence of the insensitivity of public officials and lawmakers to the worsening living conditions of Nigerians.

“These absurd budgetary allocations are often mirrored at the state level,” the statement added. “As we observed last year, the ongoing crises reflect a deep-rooted problem in the political economy that urgently requires sound public policy intervention.”

The ACF criticized government officials for their dismissive attitude toward security issues, contrasting their optimistic statements with the grim realities reported by state governors on the ground. The forum warned that this attitude risks fueling widespread disillusionment, despair, and frustration among the populace.

It further acknowledged the remarkable resilience of Nigerians, noting that the ability to celebrate events such as Eid despite these challenges is a testament to their strength—something that should never be taken lightly.

The forum also extended warm greetings to Nigeria’s Muslim communities on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, describing the celebration as a solemn reminder of the values of sacrifice, fellowship, and gratitude toward God’s blessings.

The ACF recognized that the Eid celebration comes amid tough economic and social hardships, including rising living costs, inflation, and the declining value of wages and salaries.

Nonetheless, the forum expressed optimism, urging that the country’s difficulties can be overcome by instilling good governance principles among officials at all levels of government—local, state, and federal.