Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has expressed grave concern over the worsening state of insecurity across Northern Nigeria, highlighting its devastating impact on farmers, education, and healthcare. Speaking at his residence in Abuja on Saturday, Sambo lamented that the growing violence has forced farmers off their land and is exacerbating poverty, inequality, and social decay in the region.
Sambo made these remarks while endorsing the newly-formed League of Northern Democrats (LND), a political movement aimed at addressing the myriad challenges facing the North. The former vice president praised the initiative as a timely and much-needed platform for driving positive change. The LND is chaired by former Kano State Governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who led a delegation to meet with Sambo.
“It is very worrisome to note how insecurity has crippled agriculture, while threatening the education and health of our children and women,” Sambo stated. “These challenges are widening the net of poverty and inequality, not only in the North but across the country.”
Sambo urged the LND to ensure it met the aspirations of Northern communities, calling on members to leverage their collective experiences and resources to foster peace and socio-economic development. “Irrespective of our political lineage, we must play our part in meeting the needs of our people while engendering sustainable peace,” he added.
The League of Northern Democrats, spearheaded by elder statesman Dr. Umar Ardo, was recently launched with significant backing from northern elites. Among its leadership are Senator Shekarau, serving as pro tem chairman, and Emmanuel Jime, a former House of Representatives member, appointed as secretary. The group aims to address critical regional issues, from insecurity and poverty to education and drug abuse, through coordinated action.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, also voiced his support for the LND’s mission. In a letter addressed to the group’s convener, Dambazau expressed alarm over the rapid deterioration of Northern Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. “Insecurity, banditry, illiteracy, endemic poverty, drug abuse, proliferation of arms, and the collapse of our institutions require urgent and coordinated action,” Dambazau warned, commending the League for its resolve.
The League has announced plans to hold a historic summit in Kaduna in October, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to attend. The summit aims to galvanise northern leaders and stakeholders to tackle the region’s pressing challenges.
Despite its ambitions, the LND has made it clear that it is not aligned with any political party, ethnic, or religious group. “The League exists to help the government address the array of issues undermining the northern states,” Ardo emphasised, “from insecurity and poverty to illiteracy and unemployment.” With growing support from across the region, the League of Northern Democrats is positioning itself as a crucial voice for Northern Nigeria’s future.
