LND, ACF form coalition to ‘build a cohesive north’

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have agreed to form a coalition that will help to build a cohesive north and address its challenges.

Speaking at the ACF secretariat in Kaduna on Thursday during a meeting between leaders of the two groups, Ibrahim Shekarau, LND’s chairman, said the north is in an “ugly situation.”

Represented by Ibrahim Bio, a former transport minister, Shekarau said the meeting marked a transformative step towards resolving the region’s issues.

“This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative coalition for Northern Nigeria,” he said.

“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 praised the ACF for preserving the “values and dignity of the north,” noting that the LND will bring fresh ideas and strategies to address the region’s challenges.

He said previous meetings with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) had yielded agreements in principle to create a coalition involving the ACF, LND, NEF, and MBF.

“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 added.

“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.”

Shekarau said the coalition would amplify the north’s collective voice, ensuring its priorities dominate national discourse and pool 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,” he said.

“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.”