Politics
Shekarau: LND to Brainstorm on Future of Northern Region
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a group of politicians comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the northern region of Nigeria, are coming together for a pivotal summit focused on revitalising the region’s political and economic power ahead of the 2027 elections.
This was revealed in Abuja on Tuesday during a gathering of the members, including traditional rulers, to discuss issues related to the region.
The central theme of the initiative, set to be officially announced at a summit in Kaduna, revolves around addressing the region’s political trajectory, economic growth and security issues.
Speaking on the plan for a northern summit on Tuesday, the Protem Chairman of the LND and former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said, “The LND resolved to organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit, to be held in Kaduna.
“This summit will serve as a platform for discussing the region’s political future, economic development, and security challenges. It will bring together key leaders, thinkers, and influencers to chart a new course for the North.”
In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Shekarau expressed the group’s concern about the progress of the region.
He said the group intended to evaluate the challenges confronting the North, particularly security issues, and create a document detailing possible solutions to tackle the problems.
“We came together to analyse and review the problem bedevilling the northern part of Nigeria. We said we need to embark on general societal reorientation, to enlighten the people on what are their basic challenges and their basic needs.
“It is apolitical though. It is not about any person or any political party, and it is necessarily not about 2027. It is an all-time issue. We want to produce a document, which is not about a year, two-year, or 10-year issue.
“The whole idea is to produce a document that we can confront anybody seeking our votes that these are the aspirations of our people and we want you to assure us that this will be part of your guiding principles.”
In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener, Umar Ardo, and the interim secretary, Emmanuel Jime, the LND announced its resolution to unify the North and reestablish it as a dominant force in national politics.
To achieve this, the group planned to invite prominent northern stakeholders, including former heads of state, current and former vice presidents, and former Senate presidents to rally support for the initiative.
According to the communique, the LND would engage with past Speakers of the House of Representatives, former security chiefs, and other influential figures to gather widespread backing for their efforts.
“The LND resolved to prioritise the political unity of Northern Nigeria. Recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences within our ranks, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity.
“This unity will serve as the foundation for our efforts to reposition the North as a leading force in Nigeria’s political landscape,” it stated.
The House of Representatives on Thursday reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill which sought to strip the vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.
The lower legislative chamber made the U-turn after the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, moved a motion.
The bill, which is sponsored by Solomon Bob, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers State, passed second reading on Wednesday.
Bob noted that the bill seeks to “promote accountability in public office” by removing the immunity currently granted to the vice-president, governors and their deputies.
Section 308 of the Constitution states that “the president, vice-president, governor, and deputy governor, during the period he/she is holding the office, shall not be subjected to civil or criminal proceedings.
“The occupants of the office shall not also be arrested or imprisoned and no process of any court requiring or compelling their appearance.
”Bob stated said the move is to curb corruption, curb immunity, eradicate impunity and enhance accountability in public office.
The green chamber also rescinded its decision on the bill to abolish the death penalty.
The bill also passed second reading during plenary on Wednesday.
A bill to create the Office of the Prime Minister as head of government and the Office of President as head of state, and to provide for a framework for the mode of election to the said offices, has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill was among 32 Constitution amendment bills that scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Also among the bills is a bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for specific seats for women in the National Assembly and state houses of assembly.
Another is a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to reduce the period for determination of pre-election petition matters and provide for the establishment of pre-election tribunals for pre-election matters and regulate the process of suspending a member of the National Assembly from legislative duties.
A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to review the requirements that qualifies persons to be elected as President and Vice-President, governors and deputy governors, passed second reading as well.
Also, a bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to review the status of the Federal Capital Territory as regards the election of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and bills for the creation of Wan State and Gobir State, equally passed second reading.
About 113 Constitution amendment bills have so far passed second reading.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Wednesday, announced that it has notified the senator representing Kogi State central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over a recall process against her.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee at INEC, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
INEC said it has received additional details containing phone numbers and emails of petitioners who want the recall of the senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The commission further stated that the next step is to scrutinise the details provided by the petitioners of Senator Natasha’s recall.
“Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today, Wednesday 26th March 2025.“
A letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address.
The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the commission’s website.
The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50 percent) of the registered voters in the constituency. This will be done in the coming days.
The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission,” the statement reads.
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