Northern Minorities Demand Stronger Political Representation

The Northern Minority Alliance for Balanced Leadership (NIMABL) has called for stronger political representation and greater inclusion of minority communities in governance and national decision-making.

The National President of the alliance, Zaman Saleh, made the call in a statement titled, “Northern Minorities at a Political Crossroads.”

Saleh said many minority communities in Northern Nigeria continued to face concerns over political representation, inclusion and access to opportunities despite their contributions to the country’s political, economic and security development.

He said population remained an important factor in democratic politics, but stressed that effective organisation and coordinated engagement were necessary for communities to translate their numerical strength into political influence.

According to him, political fragmentation among minority communities had remained a major challenge, making it necessary for them to identify and pursue common interests while retaining their distinct identities.

The alliance also called for greater attention to security and representation concerns in communities affected by insecurity, displacement and economic disruption in parts of Northern Nigeria.

It urged the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, to support dialogue between minority communities, government institutions and policymakers.

The group said sustained engagement would help address concerns relating to representation, governance and national cohesion.

Saleh said efforts to improve political representation should be based on inclusion rather than ethnic competition, stressing that all communities should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the country’s democratic process and development.