Atiku warns against threats to northern unity at ACF 25th anniversary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups attempting to fracture northern unity, emphasising that such actions threaten the region’s stability and development.

He made the remarks at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna on Friday.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, stressed that the north must guard its cohesion jealously, noting that unity remains the foundation of its political and economic strength. Quoting the late premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, he reminded leaders that the region can achieve anything if it stays united.

“If we remain united, there is nothing this region cannot accomplish,” Atiku said. “Therefore, let me give a solemn warning to those who seek to break this unity for their own selfish ends. They set tribe against tribe, Christian against Muslim, people against their chiefs.”

He cautioned that both internal actors and external adversaries increasingly exploit misinformation and technology to sow division, manipulate fears, and foster distrust among northern communities. According to him, such tactics target the region’s “God-given wealth” and must be countered with vigilance and leadership that embraces all ethnic and religious groups.

Atiku also reflected on the formation and mission of the ACF, recalling how the north was deeply fragmented in 1999 before efforts were made to unite all major blocs under a single umbrella. He urged current leaders to revive the same spirit of cooperation to address today’s challenges, including insecurity, economic stagnation, and poor educational outcomes.

He further called on the North to prioritise education, agriculture, and industrial development — pillars that guided northern policy in the early 2000s and reflect the vision of the region’s founding leaders.

Looking ahead, Atiku challenged northern leaders to confront mounting pressures from population growth, food insecurity, unemployment, and global competition. He warned that without decisive action and unity of purpose, the region risks falling further behind.