ABUJA – Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) on Sunday revealed that it is wooing like-minded politicians from the South to enable it create League of National Democrats (LND) and transform it into a registered political party, ostensibly to dislodge the All Progressives Congress from Aso Rock in 2027.
The group, which stated this on Sunday, also said the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and other political parties in the country have failed the nation.
The LND noted that the PDP and APC have consistently produced leaders more interested in consolidating power than addressing the socio-economic realities of Nigerians, adding that this trajectory has resulted in deepening poverty, heightened insecurity, eroded public trust and a national psyche weighed down by despair and cynicism.
The LND, in a statement by its Convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, entitled ‘Towards a Credible Change: A Call for the Formation of League of National Democrats,’ said that Nigeria’s progress demands a radical departure from the failing paradigm.
The League said that the profound issues confronting Nigeria- endemic poverty, insecurity, inequality, institutional decay, corruption and socio-economic stagnation, all on account of poor governance – demand urgent and strategic action.
“This clarion call resonates deeply with the aspirations of many Nigerians yearning for a break from the vicious cycle of ineffectual governance of the PDP and APC, and especially among Northerners.
“In response to this demand, some critical and credible elite in the North came up with the League of Northern Democrats (LND) as the most viable alternative political platform, offering a pathway to national redemption. Rooted in democratic values and committed to institutional renewal, the LND represents a beacon of hope for a country at the crossroads of decline and resurgence.
“The strategic approach is to instigate similar process in the South that we ultimately merge with to create League of National Democrats (LND) and transform it into a registered political party.
“The PDP and APC, along with other existing political parties, have not only failed to address Nigeria’s fundamental challenges, but they have over the years not shown sign or intention to ever do so,” LND said.
Berating the APC and PDP further, LND said that their “methods of governance have throughout been marked by absence of patriotism and sacrifice.
“The two parties, since their inceptions, have become more entrenched in self service and dishonesty in leadership, particularly since after the Obasanjo presidency.”
Listing further the problems bedeviling the parties, LND said, “These parties have become instruments of imposition, where leadership selection is driven by personal ambition and manipulation, rather than merit or democratic consensus.
“Their internal systems reward loyalty over competence, perpetuating governance that prioritises patronage over public interest.
“Both parties have consistently produced leaders more interested in consolidating power than addressing the socio-economic realities of Nigerians.
“This trajectory has resulted in deepening poverty, heightened insecurity, eroded public trust and a national psyche weighed down by despair and cynicism. Clearly, Nigeria’s progress demands a radical departure from this failing paradigm.”
LND further said: “The League of National Democrats as a registered political entity offers an innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking approach to rebuilding Nigeria’s political system. Its guiding principles and strategic orientation will uniquely position it to deliver the credible change Nigerians desperately seek.
“Unlike the PDP and APC, the LND’s foundation will be committed to restoring patriotism, honesty and democratic values in the polity. Leadership selection within the LND will be predicated on merit, transparency and robust competition. By institutionalising these values, the LND will ensure that only leaders with the patriotism, honesty, competence and integrity to serve the nation emerge at every level of governance.”
