Key leaders from Northern Nigeria, led by former Kano State Governor Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, are set to convene a high-profile summit in Kaduna aimed at revitalizing the region’s political and economic influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Organized by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), the summit will address critical issues facing the North, including political unity, economic development, and security.
During a recent gathering in Abuja, Shekarau, the Protem Chairman of the LND, emphasized the summit’s importance in shaping the region’s future. He stated that the summit would provide a platform for key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to discuss the North’s political and economic prospects, particularly in light of the power shift to the southern part of the country following the 2023 general election.
The urgency of the summit has been heightened by recent #Endbadgovernance protests across the northern states, which have underscored the need for robust leadership to address the region’s challenges. Vice President Kashim Shettima has also called for a high-level meeting of northern stakeholders to discuss the region’s future, stressing the importance of leadership in maintaining stability.
While the LND’s initiative is closely tied to the 2027 elections, Shekarau clarified that the summit is not solely focused on any individual, party, or election. Instead, the aim is to produce a comprehensive document outlining the North’s aspirations, which will be presented to any political candidate seeking the region’s support.
The LND, committed to unifying the North, plans to engage with former heads of state, vice presidents, Senate presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, and former security chiefs to rally support for the initiative. This unity is intended to position the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape.