In a significant political development, key leaders from Northern Nigeria have officially launched the League of Northern Democrats (LND), aimed at revitalizing the region’s political and economic influence within the country.
This newly formed group held its inaugural meeting yesterday, where they announced plans for a strategic summit focused on addressing the pressing challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
The LND is committed to uniting various factions and repositioning the North as a pivotal player in Nigeria’s political arena. The leaders emphasized that their primary objective is the development of Northern Nigeria, asserting that their mission transcends individual interests.
Leading the 226-member coalition is Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the former governor of Kano State, who will serve as the interim chairman. Umar Ardo has been appointed as the convener, while Hon. Emmanuel Jime takes on the role of interim secretary. The group boasts a diverse membership, including former governors, federal lawmakers, and prominent business figures.
Notable members of the LND include influential names such as Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Senator Ibrahim Ida, PhD, CON (Wazirin Katsina), Kabir Tafida (Sarki Fadan Sokoto), and Dr. Jamilu Isyaka Gwamna (Sardauna Gombe), among others. The collective experience and leadership of these individuals position the LND as a formidable force in Northern politics.
Following their meeting at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, the group released a communique stating, “The LND is dedicated to prioritizing the political unity of Northern Nigeria. We recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks and 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.”
In their quest for broader support, the LND plans to reach out to critical stakeholders across Northern Nigeria. This outreach will target former Heads of State, past and present vice presidents, former Senate presidents, former Speakers of the House of Representatives, former Chief Justices, and former Service Chiefs, among others. The group believes that engaging these influential figures is essential to the success of its mission.
The League of Northern Democrats is poised to play a crucial role in the political future of Northern Nigeria, advocating for unity and collaboration to ensure the region’s development and prosperity.