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By John Alechenu

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, northern elites under the aegis of League of Northern Democrats, have held its second meeting to fine tune strategies to politically unite Northern Nigeria.

The meeting which held at the Yar’Adua Centre, yesterday, was convened by Dr. Umar Ardo, unanimously appointed Ex-Kano State Governor and one time Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, as Protem Chairman while Ex-Member of the House of Representatives, Emmanuel Jime, is to serve as Protem Secretary.

A communique issued after the meeting read in part, “Following the second meeting of The League of Northern Democrats (LND), convened by Dr. Umar Ardo, the following resolutions were adopted:

“Adoption of the Name “League of Northern Democrats (LND) – It was unanimously agreed that the movement will be formally known as: The League of Northern Democrats (LND).

“This name reflects our collective commitment to advancing the political, economic and social interests of Northern Nigeria within the framework of a united and democratic Nigeria.

“Resolution to Unite the North Politically:

– The LND resolved to prioritize the political unity of Northern Nigeria. Recognizing 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 was resolved that the LND will write to key stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to garner their support and participation in our movement.

“This outreach will include, but is not limited to: all former Heads of State, all former and serving Vice Presidents, former Senate Presidents, former Speakers of the House of Representatives, former Chief Justices, former Service Chiefs, Inspectors General of Police, Comptroller Generals of Customs, Immigration, Prisons, key distinguished elder statesmen, Business men and Employers of Labour, trade unions and other relevant entities.

“The involvement of these stakeholders is crucial to the success of our mission.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, its convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, explained that the meeting was convened by “People of like minds from the North that came together to solve northern problem.

“We are not worried about problem of appointment, we are worried about problem of insecurity, hunger, starvation, destitution and the economy.

“We are not worried about appointment, appointment will come and go but the important issue is to resolve this issue conclusively.”

In his remarks, Chairman of the body, Ibrahim Shekarau, said, “The general concern is about development in Northern Nigeria. It will not in the interest of anybody.

“There are several communities that existed several years ago before the amalgamated of Nigeria.

“We came together to analyse and review the problem bedeviling the northern part of Nigeria.

“We need to come up with possible strategies on how to improved on the following areas:

“We said we need to embark on general societal reorientation, to enlighten the people on what is their basic challenges and their basic needs.

“We need to enlighten the people on the need for good governance. We need to enlighten the people on the growth of the economy and wealth creation, because no matter how good a president is, or governor is or Chairman of a local government, if you don’t have sound economic environment, because there is nothing you do together without resource, so we want to know what to do in the area of the economy.

“We think, the issue of education is relevance, education is key to any development.”

Shekarau further said, “We think there is need to address the issue of insecurity. The issue of unity. People have to understand the need to come together.

“To set up an electoral committee to sensitise elected leaders so that they will appreciate the aspirations of the people.

“A situation where a chief executive will decide what project to be executed on his own without listening to the people, has to change. We need a group that will liaise with them to remind them of that.

“These are the seven committees we will be setting up with a timeframe. 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.

“It is political though, it is not about any person or any political party, and it is not necessarily about 2027.

“It is an all time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about one year, two-year, 10-year issue.

Government should see the protest against bad governance as a challenge. The speech of President confirmed this, what we want to see is action.

“And it is not about the federal government. We are talking about the state government and local government.

“He condemned the exorbitant nomination fees for local government elections.” (vanguard)