A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is spearheading efforts to forge an alliance between northern elites and southern political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources who spoke with Punch revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon are among those backing the initiative.

Shekarau, a key figure in the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has reportedly been engaging political leaders from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions in discussions about creating a broad-based coalition. …CONTINUE READING

Yakubu Gowon

The LND’s convener, Umar Ardo, recently announced the group’s intention to evolve into a national political platform.

Olusegun Obasanjo

During a press briefing on January 5, Ardo declared the group’s readiness to transform into the League of National Democrats, signalling a shift towards inclusivity.

“This new political platform seeks to provide a credible alternative by institutionalising meritocracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with proven competence and integrity,” Ardo stated.

Insiders disclosed that Obasanjo and Gowon had advised the LND leadership to make the platform truly national by incorporating southern politicians and ensuring inclusiveness.

Naija News learnt that during a meeting in October 2024, Obasanjo hosted a 20-member delegation of the LND, led by Shekarau, at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

He suggested renaming the group to the National League of Democrats to reflect its broader vision.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem,” he stated.

A former spokesperson for ex-Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani, a pioneer member of the LND, told Punch that both Obasanjo and Gowon were among the group’s backers.

Sani confirmed that Shekarau was leading discussions with prominent southern politicians.

He said, “We’re talking with some southern politicians, but I don’t know who they are. Shekarau and others are making the moves and doing the talking.

“But when we met Baba Obasanjo, he said the initiative should be made national. General Gowon also said it should be national, and other influential Nigerians gave similar advice.

“When we engaged politicians in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, they began suggesting that this movement be turned into a political party. While we were briefed in meetings, the leaders didn’t disclose the names of the southern politicians they were speaking to.”

Sani clarified that the LND had not yet been registered as a political party, as consultations were still ongoing.

The group’s spokesperson, Ladan Salihu, said discussions were ongoing with southern leaders, including former governors, senators, and ministers.

According to him, even before they approached the politicians, the LND had already been contacted by key political clusters from the South-East.

“We’ve been contacted by notable politicians from the South, especially from the South-East, who indicated plans to form the League of Southern Democrats.

“Similarly, respected politicians from the South-West have shown interest in joining the LND if it becomes a national platform, or they may even form the League of Western Democrats.

“This is a political metamorphosis that will culminate in the creation of what will eventually become the League of Nigerian Democrats,” he stated.

While declining to name southern politicians the LND leader had been in contact with, Salihu confirmed that the group was in regular communication with “respected southern leaders”.

“We are in constant, almost daily contact with them because they share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not just a rhetorical platform; it’s a serious movement based on real action,” he stated.

The LND’s move comes amid political manoeuvres by many leaders aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.