2027 Coalition: Northern, Southern political leaders unite

KANO, Nigeria - A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is leading efforts to establish a coalition between northern elites and influential southern politicians in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

According to sources, it was learnt that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon are among the supporters of this initiative.

Shekarau, a prominent member of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has been reportedly engaging with political leaders from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions to discuss the formation of a comprehensive coalition.

The convener of the LND, Umar Ardo, recently announced the group's plan to evolve into a national political platform.

During a press conference on January 5, Ardo expressed the group's readiness to transition into the League of National Democrats, indicating a move towards greater inclusivity.

"This new political platform aims to offer a credible alternative by institutionalizing meritocracy, fostering accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with demonstrated competence and integrity," Ardo remarked.

Insiders revealed that Obasanjo and Gowon advised the LND leadership to broaden the platform's scope by including southern politicians and ensuring inclusivity.

Recall that during a meeting in October 2024, Obasanjo hosted a 20-member delegation from the LND, led by Shekarau, at his penthouse in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

He proposed renaming the group to the National League of Democrats to better reflect its expansive vision.

"It is time we start working for the national interest. While you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, I wish you would call it the National League of Democrats, as your origin should not be a barrier," he stated.

Umar Sani, a former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo and a founding member of the LND, confirmed to Punch that both Obasanjo and Gowon were among the group's supporters.

Sani noted that Shekarau was in discussions with notable southern politicians. "We are in talks with some southern politicians, but I am unaware of their identities. Shekarau and others are leading the discussions.

However, when we met with Baba Obasanjo, he emphasized that the initiative should be national. General Gowon also echoed this sentiment, along with other influential Nigerians who provided similar counsel."

Sani clarified that the LND has not yet registered as a political party, as consultations are still in progress.

The group's spokesperson, Ladan Salihu, mentioned that discussions are ongoing with southern leaders, including former governors, senators, and ministers.

He noted that even before reaching out to these politicians, the LND had already been approached by key political groups from the South-East.

"We have been contacted by prominent politicians from the South, particularly from the South-East, who expressed intentions to establish the League of Southern Democrats. Likewise, respected figures from the South-West have shown interest in joining the LND if it transitions into a national platform, or they may even create the League of Western Democrats."

"This is a political transformation that will ultimately lead to the formation of what will become the League of Nigerian Democrats," he stated.

While he refrained from naming the southern politicians the LND leader has been in contact with, Salihu confirmed that the group maintains regular communication with "respected southern leaders."

"We are in constant, nearly daily contact with them because they share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not merely a rhetorical platform; it is a serious movement grounded in tangible action," he asserted.

The LND's initiative comes amid political maneuvers by various leaders aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.