The leader of the Fulani community in Lagos, Mohammad Abubarkar-Bambado II, and other Arewa (northern) leaders have reaffirmed Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare-Gulma as their chairman.

The group described the reports of his suspension as null and urged members to remain united at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Thursday, to address the alleged suspension.

“I hereby quash the rumoured suspension of our chairman, Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare-Gulma, and direct you all to support him. No more rancour,” Mr Abubarkar-Bambado said.

Mai Kano Lawal, the director of Arewa Community Support Group 2023, also dismissed the allegation. He said the purported suspension was “dead on arrival”, insisting Dandare-Gulma remains firmly in charge.

Ibraheem Haruna, Arewa Apex Leader West 2, said due process must guide internal matters.

“There are internal issues within the Arewa Community APC which we need to resolve. Some people took the law into their hands, which we will not allow,” he said.

Mr Haruna, a board of trustees member, said the board was unaware of any suspension decision.

“If there is any issue, the BOT must be informed and will decide. We are not aware of any letter suspending the chairman,” he said.

He added that only the BOT has the authority to discipline the chairman.

“If necessary, the BOT can dissolve the executive or suspend him. No other authority can do so,” he said.

He said those responsible for the letter had been directed to withdraw it.

“We have instructed them to retrieve the letter and affirm that Alhaji Sa’adu Gulma remains chairman. We will meet them again on Saturday,” he said.

He stressed adherence to constitutional procedures.

“In anything you do, follow due process. Without it, nothing can stand,” he said.

The group represents Northerners resident in Lagos and plays a role in grassroots mobilisation within the APC.

Recent tensions triggered a protest by aggrieved members at the Lagos APC secretariat.

Mr Dandare-Gulma said, “The major resolution is to maintain the status quo. The suspension is null and void. There is nothing like suspension.

“They urged us to drop personal interests and focus on the community. We have reached the end of this acrimony. Everybody is now on board.”

(NAN)