Ahead of the 2027 general elections, key northern stakeholders under the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) have launched efforts to build a united political front for the region, with plans underway to host a Northern Unity Summit in early 2026.
According to the conveners, the summit will bring together traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political figures across the 19 northern states to promote regional solidarity and collective political strategy — a move reminiscent of Sir Ahmadu Bello’s era of inclusiveness and shared purpose.
Speaking at the NPCG’s expanded meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, NEF Director-General Prof. Doknan Sheni said that restoring the North’s strength requires addressing both internal rivalries and external political manipulations that have fueled division.
He cautioned that if identity-based politics continue unchecked, “the North — and by extension, Nigeria — may slip further into deep ethnic and religious fragmentation.” Sheni urged northern leaders to prioritize voter enlightenment, encouraging citizens to make decisions based on ideology, principles, and credible party manifestos rather than emotion or sectional loyalty.
The NEF chief further called for proper training of INEC officials, particularly ad hoc staff, to ensure transparency and efficiency in future elections. He emphasized that confidence in the electoral process is crucial for credible outcomes.
Looking ahead, Prof. Sheni proposed that the Northern Leaders’ Summit, slated for the first quarter of 2026, would harmonize ideas and produce a Northern Development Blueprint — a shared vision to guide political and economic advancement across the region.
He also warned that political actors from other regions could exploit northern disunity for their gain. “If we allow our divisions to be manipulated, we risk weakening the North’s influence in national politics,” he said, urging leaders to “close ranks and treat one another with fairness and justice.”
Prof. Sheni stressed that a united North is essential not just for political bargaining but also for tackling the region’s pressing issues — from insecurity and poverty to youth unemployment and economic stagnation.
He concluded by calling for stronger collaboration among the Northern Governors’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, and traditional institutions to align regional policies and pursue joint security and development initiatives.
If implemented successfully, he noted, the unity agenda could mark a turning point for Northern Nigeria — reducing youth restiveness, reviving investment, and restoring the region’s collective influence in shaping the nation’s future.
