•Ibrahim Shekarau
Notable leaders from northern Nigeria are coming together for a pivotal summit focused on revitalising the region’s political and economic power, ahead of the 2027 elections.
This was revealed in Abuja yesterday, during a gathering of the League of Northern Democrats, a group comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the region, reports The PUNCH.
The central theme of the initiative, set to be officially announced at a summit in Kaduna, revolves around addressing the region’s political trajectory, economic growth and security issues.
The 2023 general election in the country saw power returning to the southern part of the country, after eight years of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.
Two of the major presidential candidates in the election, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party were from the South West and South East respectively, with the Peoples Democratic Party presenting a northerner, Atiku Abubakar.
The recent #Endbadgovernance protest went wild across the northern states, with protesters holding Russian flags, demanding the overthrow of the democratically-elected President
Miffed by the development, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation Hausa Service, said the North would soon summon a high-level meeting of the northern stakeholders, which will include governors, politicians, business executives and traditional leaders, to discuss issues related to the region.
He said the violence witnessed in the North during the protest was the result of leadership failure.
Speaking on the plan for a northern summit yesterday, the Protem Chairman of the LND and former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said, “The LND resolved to organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit, to be held in Kaduna.
“This summit will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development, and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to chart a new course for the North.”
In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Shekarau expressed the group’s concern about the progress of the region.
He said the group intended to evaluate the challenges confronting the North, particularly security issues, and create a document detailing possible solutions to tackle the problems.
“We came together to analyse and review the problem bedevilling the northern part of Nigeria. We said we need to embark on general societal reorientation, to enlighten the people on what are their basic challenges and their basic needs.
“It is apolitical though. It is not about any person or any political party, and it is necessarily not about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about a year, two-year, or 10-year issue.
“The whole idea is to produce a document that we can confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people and we want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.”
In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener, Umar Ardo, and the interim secretary, Emmanuel Jime, the LND announced its resolution to unify the North and reestablish it as a dominant force in national politics.
To achieve this, the group planned to invite prominent northern stakeholders, including former heads of state, current and former vice presidents, and former Senate presidents to rally support for the initiative.
According to the communique, the LND would engage with past Speakers of the House of Representatives, former security chiefs, and other influential figures to gather widespread backing for their efforts.
“The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria. Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity.
“This unity will serve as the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape,” it stated.
