The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has forged a formidable coalition with key northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and Middle Belt Forum, to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The alliance, aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of Northern Nigeria, was solidified during a meeting between LND leaders and ACF in Kaduna on Thursday.
The League of Northern Democrats, which was convened by elder statesman Dr. Umar Ardo and recently launched in Abuja with the participation of prominent Northern elites, includes former governors, senators, and influential figures from the region. This unification marks a significant political shift in the North, with profound implications for the upcoming election.
Senator Shekarau, represented by former Minister of Transportation Ibrahim Isa Bio, highlighted the coalition as the beginning of a transformative era for Northern Nigeria. Shekarau emphasized that the partnership requires commitment, collaboration, and a shared vision from all parties involved, with the aim of revitalizing the region politically, socially, and economically.
He said, “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, compelling all political players, from governors to lawmakers and even the presidency, to support and align with our vision.”
Shekarau continued, “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. Our discussions have yielded agreements in principle to forge a coalition among our four organizations: ACF, LND, NEF, and the Middle Belt Forum.”
The coalition is envisioned to address serious regional challenges such as poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, religious intolerance, and diminishing political influence. Shekarau emphasized that while the North faces a difficult situation, the right commitment and collaboration can reverse these trends.
“We owe ourselves and future generations the solemn duty to act,” Shekarau affirmed. “I am convinced that it is the spirit of this duty that has brought us all together today.”
He recognized the contributions of the ACF in preserving Northern values and expressed confidence that the LND would bring fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and renewed commitment to advancing the region’s interests.
“This coalition is more than symbolic; it is a practical step towards building a cohesive North,” Shekarau explained. “It is a historic opportunity to amplify the collective voice of the North, ensuring that our region’s priorities take center stage in national discourse, while pooling our resources—experience, influence, knowledge, and finances—to create impactful solutions to our shared challenges.”
He underscored the practical nature of the coalition, which aims to strengthen the North politically, economically, and socially, fostering an environment of collaboration and trust. Shekarau added that the LND’s deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape would complement the established influence of the ACF, NEF, and the Middle Belt Forum, creating a unified and powerful regional force.
During the meeting, ACF Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, welcomed the LND leadership and praised the coalition as a significant development. He expressed pride in the North’s unity of purpose and emphasized the importance of intellectual collaboration in the coalition’s efforts.
“Two heads are better than one,” Dalhatu said. “We have been following the progress of the LND, and we are proud of how the North has come together despite challenges. The essence and vision remain the same.”
The partnership between the LND and ACF marks a new chapter for the North, as these groups strive to bring about sustainable development and a more unified political influence. The coalition’s formation signals the start of an enduring collaboration that could reshape the political dynamics leading up to the 2027 election and beyond.
