Following the suspension of the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Mamman Mike Osuman, the newly formed League of Northern Democrats (LND), has reached out to similar groups in the region, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), to forge common ground and return power to the region in the 2027 presidential election.
Addressing members of the ACF yesterday, during their meeting, the Chairman of the LND, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, said meeting with other northern groups marked the beginning of a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria.
Shekarau, who spoke through one of the members of the LND, Ibrahim Isa Bio, a former Minister of Transportation, noted that teaming up required commitment, collaboration, and a shared vision from all the groups.
The League of Northern Democrats’ visit to ACF came barely 24 hours after the Forum faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government’s economic policies, saying they lacked a human face.
According to Shekarau, “In our effort to rebuild a stronger Northern Nigeria, I am pleased to inform you that we have also held consultative meetings with the leadership 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 – i.e. ACF, LND, NEF and the Middle Belt Forum. This coalition is not just for today but for the future when 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 an honour and a privilege to stand before you today on this momentous occasion. I am expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum ACF for allowing us 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 severe. The North is in an ugly situation today. Yet, we all know that the problem 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. The spirit of this duty has brought us all together today.
“We recognise and sincerely 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,” he said.
Shekarau disclosed that “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 centre 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 strong 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 said, force all political players to respect and align with the coalition’s vision. This should be our central focus.
“As we start solidifying our partnership, today’s meeting will do well by focusing on defining Shared Goals, establishing immediate and long-term objectives to bring sustainable development to the North, Leveraging Strengths, i.e. Harnessing our combined experience, influence and expertise for maximum impact. Ensure coordination and complementarity in our efforts to avoid duplication. Work 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, a 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.”
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ACF, Bashir Dalhatu, while welcoming the LND leadership, noted that the formation of the coalition was a welcome development, adding that the coming together of the LND, ACF, NEF, and the Middle Belt Forum was an additional strength to the pan-northern organisation.
He said, “Two heads, they said, is better than one, and I have already noticed and succumbed to the fact that the League of Northern Democrats are entirely of high levels of intellectuals. So, we are, on course, equipped with that kind of intellect 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, has the same essence and vision.
“Therefore, we at the ACF are even stronger because we welcome another source of strength, vision and drive. I want to say that in the very short time they are in existence, they have made remarkable strides,” he stressed.
But ACF, in a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu Alhaji Murtala Aliyu Wazirin Dutse Matawallen Gombe Chairman, ACF Board of Trustees Secretary General, respectively, noted in particular that Mr Osuman was quoted as saying that the North will back a northern candidate for the presidency come 2027.
