The decision was reached during an emergency NEC meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

The meeting reportedly took place amid rising tension within the forum following claims that police officers restricted access to the ACF headquarters ahead of the gathering on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukor Muhammad-Baba, disclosed that delegates from about 18 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the emergency session.

He noted that members were allegedly prevented from accessing the forum’s headquarters, forcing the meeting to be moved to another venue in Kaduna.

Muhammad-Baba stated that the NEC strongly condemned the restriction placed on the ACF premises, describing it as unlawful interference in the organisation’s internal affairs.

According to him, the action also violated the constitutional right to freedom of association.

He stressed that the forum considered the development unacceptable, maintaining that the ACF remains a legitimate socio-cultural organisation entitled to manage its affairs without external interference.

The ACF spokesman also dismissed reports suggesting that the forum was facing a leadership crisis.

He argued that the situation stemmed from alleged misinterpretation of constitutional provisions and attempts by certain individuals to assume powers not granted to them under the organisation’s constitution.

Muhammad-Baba explained that discussions at the emergency meeting centred on the report submitted by an Ethics and Conduct Committee previously set up to investigate a petition concerning financial management and governance issues within the forum.

He revealed that the committee’s preliminary findings raised serious concerns regarding due process and financial administration in the organisation.

According to him, the NEC resolved that the matters highlighted in the report required deeper investigation to ensure transparency, accountability and proper governance.

He added that the forum would not overlook issues capable of damaging its credibility and internal discipline.

Acting on the recommendation of the Ethics and Conduct Committee, the NEC passed a vote of no confidence in Dalhatu and approved his immediate suspension as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Muhammad-Baba stated that the suspension would remain effective pending the conclusion of further investigations into the allegations before the committee.

The forum also reaffirmed its commitment to due process, constitutional order and internal accountability.

It said the decision was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the ACF and ensure that its operations remain in line with its constitution.

The NEC further maintained that the forum was not experiencing any leadership crisis, insisting that its structures remain functional and intact.

It blamed the recent tension on alleged attempts by some individuals to distort the organisation’s constitution and unlawfully assume authority.

The forum urged members across the North and the FCT to remain calm and allow the established internal mechanisms to address the matter.

It also repeated its condemnation of the alleged police barricade at its Kaduna headquarters, describing the action as an unacceptable interference with the organisation’s activities and constitutional rights.