…Threatens civil resistance over lawmakers’ defections
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a growing political movement in northern Nigeria, has signaled its intent to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a high-level meeting held yesterday at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the group, chaired by former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, adopted key resolutions ranging from party registration to direct political mobilisation across the North.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, as Chairman, and Dr. Umar Ardo as Convener.
The meeting, attended by 147 members, marked a significant step in the group’s institutional development.
Members approved the LND’s constitution and past meeting minutes, while directing their Legal Adviser to complete the process of registering the group formally as an association.
The coalition is seen as a potential vehicle for reconfiguring opposition politics in the run-up to 2027.
Notably, the LND endorsed the leadership structure of the organization and committed to collaborating with the National Opposition Coalition Group chaired by former Senate President David Mark.
The group discussed two possible political pathways: forming a new political party to provide a platform for disenchanted members of larger parties, or alternatively, merging with an existing party. However, the communiqué clearly stated that registering a new party remains the preferred option.
In a bold move, the LND also announced plans to coordinate a larger summit of northern groups, a follow-up to recent discussions at the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna. The aim, according to the communiqué is to “solidify northern positions” on national issues.
Perhaps the most striking resolution was the group’s call for civil resistance. Citing constitutional provisions, the LND said it would mobilise Northern Nigerians to demand that the 10th National Assembly declare vacant the seats of legislators from Delta and Kebbi States who defected from their original political parties.
In addition, the group expressed frustration over what it described as the “inertia” of the 19 northern governors in addressing the worsening economic and security crises in the region. The LND pointed to endemic poverty, rising insecurity, unemployment, and poor governance at both the State and local levels.
