North must overcome disunity to shape 2027 elections, say northern elders

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) have unveiled plans to rally the entire northern region toward unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

The strategy, according to the groups, will include the involvement of traditional rulers and religious leaders across the 19 northern states.

Speaking at the expanded meeting of the NPCG held in Abuja on Saturday, Doknan Sheni, director-general of the NEF, said the region must first address the factors — both internal and external — that have caused disunity in the north.

Sheni said northern leaders must work to restore the spirit of inclusiveness once championed by the late premier of the northern region, Ahmadu Bello.

He warned that unless sensitive identity issues are properly managed, the region, and by extension, Nigeria, may continue to slide into deeper ethno-religious divisions.

“If the north is to prepare and unite for the 2027 election, there must be massive enlightenment programmes among the electorate so that citizens vote based on ideology, principles, and real manifestos of parties and candidates, not sentiments,” he said.

Sheni urged political leaders across party lines to embrace democratic culture, prioritise national interest over personal ambition, and abandon what he described as the “do-or-die” approach to politics.

He identified insecurity, underdevelopment, unemployment, the high number of out-of-school children, and ethno-religious divisions as key challenges threatening unity in the region.

He called for the training of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, especially ad hoc personnel, to ensure transparency in the conduct and transmission of election results.

“For the North to unite towards the 2027 elections, there should be a summit of northern leaders in the first quarter of 2026 to harmonise ideas and plan for the elections,” he said.

Sheni said the proposed summit should address religion and ethnicity, which often influence voting patterns, and produce a northern development blueprint endorsed by delegates from all 19 states.

He warned that external political interests could exploit the region’s religious and ethnic differences for personal gain.

“We should do everything possible to narrow and minimise these differences,” he said.

“No matter the cause of disunity, when northerners close ranks and begin to treat one another with respect and justice, most of these issues will disappear.”

Sheni said proponents of northern unity believe that a cohesive political front is necessary to secure equitable representation and strengthen the region’s bargaining power in national dialogues.

He lamented that the north remains disproportionately affected by insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes.

“The Northern States Governors’ Forum, Northern Elders Forum, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and traditional rulers’ forums should hold meetings to align regional strategies for security and development,” he said.

He also proposed investment summits to attract private sector collaboration, create jobs, and reduce youth restiveness, alongside grassroots mobilisation through youth groups and civil society organisations.

“If this is properly implemented, unemployment and youth restiveness will decrease significantly,” Sheni said.