A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is spearheading efforts to establish a strategic alliance between northern elites and southern political leaders in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Gists9ja reports that the initiative, backed by key national figures, seeks to create a broad-based coalition aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to sources who spoke with Punch, prominent statesmen such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon are lending their support to the movement. The group, known as the League of Northern Democrats (LND), is reportedly engaging political stakeholders across the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions.
Umar Ardo, the LND’s convener, recently announced plans to transform the group into a national political platform under the name League of National Democrats. Speaking at a press briefing on January 5, Ardo outlined the group’s mission to institutionalize meritocracy, promote accountability, and foster the emergence of competent and ethical leaders.
“This new political platform aims to provide a credible alternative by ensuring inclusivity and championing values that will drive Nigeria forward,” Ardo stated.
Backing from Obasanjo and Gowon
Insiders revealed that Obasanjo and Gowon have urged the LND leadership to broaden its scope and adopt a national outlook by integrating southern political figures. During a meeting in October 2024, Obasanjo hosted a 20-member LND delegation, led by Shekarau, at his penthouse in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
At the meeting, Obasanjo reportedly suggested renaming the group to the National League of Democrats, emphasizing the need for a unified national focus.
“It is high time we worked for the national interest. Your group’s current name suggests a regional bias. I recommend renaming it the National League of Democrats to reflect a broader vision,” Obasanjo was quoted as saying.
Umar Sani, a pioneer member of the LND and former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, confirmed that Shekarau is leading consultations with influential southern politicians. However, he noted that the identities of these politicians remain undisclosed for now.
“We’re in talks with southern politicians, but the details are still under wraps. Baba Obasanjo and General Gowon have emphasized making this movement national, and similar advice has come from other respected figures,” Sani stated.
Ladan Salihu, the group’s spokesperson, added that the LND has been in regular contact with former governors, senators, and ministers from the southern regions. He revealed that key political clusters in the South-East had even initiated contact with the LND, proposing the formation of a regional counterpart, the League of Southern Democrats.
“Leaders from the South-West have also expressed interest in joining the LND if it becomes a national platform or forming a League of Western Democrats. These discussions highlight a political metamorphosis that could culminate in the creation of the League of Nigerian Democrats,” Salihu said.
This move by the LND comes at a time when various political groups are strategizing to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The initiative seeks to bridge regional divides and create a unified front capable of offering a credible alternative to the existing political establishment.
Salihu emphasized that the LND’s mission goes beyond rhetoric, describing it as “a serious movement based on real action.”
“We remain in constant communication with southern leaders who share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not a superficial initiative; it is deeply rooted in actionable plans for national progress,” he concluded.
The LND’s consultations and its push for inclusivity signal a significant shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics, as stakeholders across regions begin rallying around a shared vision for the country’s future.
