The League of Northern Democrats (LND) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have agreed to form a coalition aimed at fostering unity and addressing pressing challenges in Northern Nigeria.
During a meeting at the ACF secretariat in Kaduna, Ibrahim Shekarau, chairman of the LND, described the north as being in an “ugly situation.”
Represented by Ibrahim Bio, a former transport minister, Shekarau emphasized the transformative potential of the coalition.
“This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria,” he stated. “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.”
Shekarau commended the ACF for preserving the “values and dignity of the north” and noted that the LND would contribute fresh ideas and strategies to tackle regional issues. He also highlighted previous discussions with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), which resulted in a consensus to form a broader coalition.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He further explained that the coalition would strengthen the region’s collective voice, ensuring its priorities take center stage in national discourse while pooling resources to address shared challenges.
“This coalition 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,” Shekarau remarked.
“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.”
