Lagos: In a decisive show of unity, Fulani community leader Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar‑Bambado II and other Arewa elders have nullified the suspension of Alhaji Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare‑Gulma, firmly reinstating him as chairman and underscoring their collective authority in Lagos.
They described the reports of his suspension as null and urged members to remain united.
The position emerged at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Thursday, shortly after the alleged suspension, which the meeting was convened to address.
Abubarkar-Bambado said, “I quash the suspension of our chairman, Sa’adu Yusuf Dandare-Gulma. Support him and avoid rancour.”
Mai Kano Lawal, the Director of the Arewa Community Support Group in 2023, also dismissed the allegation.
He said the suspension was “dead on arrival,” and Dandare-Gulma remains in charge.
Alhaji Ibraheem Haruna, Arewa Apex Leader West 2, urged following due process for internal matters.
He said, “Some took the law into their hands, which we will not allow.”
Haruna, a Board of Trustees member, said the board knew of no suspension decision.
He said, “If there is an issue, the BoT must be informed. We know of no suspension letter.”
He added that only the BoT may discipline the chairman.
He added, “Only the BoT can suspend or dissolve the executive.”
He said those responsible for the letter had been directed to withdraw it.
He said they would retrieve the letter and reaffirm Gulma as chairman, with another meeting set for Saturday.
He stressed, “Follow due process. Without it, nothing stands.”
The Arewa Community represents northern Nigerians resident in Lagos and plays a role in grassroots mobilisation within the APC in the state.
Internal disputes have tested its unity, especially during elections and leadership changes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the recent tensions that arose after the suspension rumour, aggrieved members protested at the Lagos APC secretariat.
Responding, Dandare-Gulma said he remains chairman until his tenure expires.
He said, “The main resolution is to maintain the status quo. Elections follow my tenure.”
He said, “The suspension is void. We agreed to set differences aside.”
He said, “We must drop personal interests for the community. Everyone is now on board.”
