‘League of Northern Democrats Forged Alliance With ACF, NEF, Others to Salvage North’s Poverty, Insecurity’

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) led by former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has said that it has forged alliances with other similar groups of northern extraction, to prepare a future where Northern Nigeria regains its status as a beacon of progress, culture and leadership in Nigeria.

Already, the LND has reached out to groups in the region, including Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in order to forge common ground for the continued progress and development of the North.

At a meeting with members of the ACF in Kaduna on Thursday, the Chairman of the LND, Senator Shekarau said their meeting with other northern groups marked the beginning of a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria.

He however, noted that the teaming up required commitment, collaboration and a shared vision from all the groups.

Shekarau said, “In our effort to rebuild a stronger Northern Nigeria, I am pleased to inform you that we have also held consultative meetings with the leaderships of the Northern Elders Forum and the Middle Belt Forum, and our discussions yielded fruits with agreements in principle to forge a coalition among our four organisations – ACF, LND, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum. This coalition is not just for today but for the future-a future where Northern Nigeria regains its status as a beacon of progress, culture and leadership in Nigeria!.

“This unified front will complete the long-sought unity of the North. The consequence of such a coalition will be profound: political entities such as the PDP, APC, LP, NNPP, SDP, state governors, legislators and even the presidency will be humbled and compelled to support and align with our vision, thus reclaiming the dignity, stability and influence of Northern Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today on this momentous occasion. I wish to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum ACF for providing us with the opportunity to engage in this critical meeting. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria.

“The challenges facing our region – poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, religious intolerance, disunity and diminishing political influence – are indeed serious. The North is today in an ugly situation. Yet, we all know that the situation is reversible.

”It only requires commitment, collaboration and a shared vision from all of us. In truth, we owe ourselves and the generations behind us the solemn duty to do so. I am convinced that it is the spirit of this duty that has brought us all together today.

“We recognise and deeply appreciate the contributions of the ACF in preserving the values, culture and dignity of the North. Your steadfast dedication and resilience over the years have been a guiding light. In this spirit, the League of Northern Democrats brings fresh perspectives, innovative strategies and a renewed commitment to advancing the interests of our people.

“This coalition between the League of Northern Democrats and the Arewa Consultative Forum represents a historic opportunity to amplify the collective voice of the North, ensuring our region’s priorities take center stage in national discourse; pool our vast resources – experience, influence, knowledge and finances – to create impactful solutions to our shared challenges; and to strengthen the economic, political and social fabric of the North, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration and shared progress.

“This coalition is more than symbolic; it is a practical step towards building a cohesive North that can reclaim its rightful position as a zone of first influence in Nigeria’s politics and power dynamics. LND’s practical understanding of the power dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape, its aim to reposition the North as a unified and decisive player and its focus on innovative strategies will complement the established high influence and networks of ACF, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum.”

“This will automatically create and consolidate our regional unity and influence, and as I earlier said, force all political players to respect and align with the coalition’s vision. This should be our central focus.As we start the move to solidify our partnership, today’s meeting will do well by focusing on defining Shared Goals; establish immediate and long-term objectives to bring sustainable development to the North; Leveraging Strengths: i.e. Harness our combined experience, influence and expertise for maximum impact. Ensure coordination and complementarity in our efforts to avoid duplication; and Working as a Team: i.e. Collaborate effectively to overcome our region’s challenges.”

” I urge us to approach this engagement with sincere and open minds, shared sense of purpose and unwavering commitment by all. Together, we have the power to rewrite the narrative of our region and secure a legacy of prosperity and unity for generations to come.Thank you once again for this opportunity to build a coalition that will transform the North and, by extension, Nigeria. May our deliberations today mark the beginning of a fruitful and enduring partnership.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of ACF, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, welcomed the LND leadership stating that the formation of the coalition is a welcome development.

He said the coming together of the LND, ACF, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum, was an additional strength the pan-northern organisation, adding that “two heads they said is better than one and I have already noticed and succumbed to the fact that the League of Northern Democrat are full of high levels of intellectuals. So, we are on course with that kind of intellectuals and intelligence.

“We have been following the progress and movement as well as efforts of the LND since their establishment and we feel very proud that the north, actually no matter how many times you split it, the essence, vision is still the same.”

“Therefore, we at the ACF are even stronger because we are welcoming another source of strength, vision and drive. I want to say that in the very short time that they are in existence, they have made remarkable strides.”