By Milcah Tanimu
A pivotal summit set to take place in Kaduna is expected to play a crucial role in reshaping Northern Nigeria’s political and economic landscape as preparations begin for the 2027 elections.
Prominent figures from Northern Nigeria are gathering in Kaduna for a significant summit aimed at restoring the region’s political and economic strength. The event, organized by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), will address urgent issues including political cohesion, economic growth, and security challenges in advance of the 2027 elections.
Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano State and Protem Chairman of the LND, highlighted the summit’s importance at a recent event in Abuja. He emphasized that the summit will serve as a crucial forum for tackling the North’s political, economic, and security concerns.
“This summit will provide a platform for addressing the region’s future direction. It will bring together influential leaders and thinkers to create a new strategic vision for Northern Nigeria,” Shekarau said.
With the recent shift of power to the southern part of Nigeria following eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Northern leaders are eager to reassert the region’s influence in national politics as the 2027 elections approach.
The urgency of the summit is underscored by recent #Endbadgovernance protests across the North, which have highlighted the region’s pressing issues. Vice President Kashim Shettima, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, stressed the necessity of the summit in addressing the violence and leadership failures witnessed during the protests.
“The unrest during the protests revealed a critical need for a high-level dialogue among Northern stakeholders to chart a new path forward,” Shettima noted.
While the summit is focused on long-term regional concerns rather than specific political agendas, it is expected to produce a detailed document outlining the North’s priorities. This document will be presented to any political candidate seeking support from the region.
The LND’s announcement, signed by convener Umar Ardo and interim secretary Emmanuel Jime, emphasized the group’s dedication to fostering unity within the North. The organization plans to engage with former and current political leaders and security officials to garner support for their initiative.
“This unity will form the bedrock of our efforts to reposition the North as a dominant force in Nigeria’s political arena,” the communiqué stated.
