Members of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) yesterday got a candid advice from former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon – they should jettison sectional interests and champion the cause that serves Nigeria’s collective interest.
The former leader told the North’s political elite that the sustenance of the on-going democracy rests on the region.
He urged the leaders of the region to prioritise the nation’s collective good in its pursuits.
The LND is led by a former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
The former Head of State spoke when members of the group visited him in Abuja.
The group had similarly visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta.
Shekarau is the convener of the the LND, made up of more than 200 North’s political leaders, mostly former top government officials and retired military officers.
The group has hinted of a plan to push for a presidential candidate from the North in 2027.
Gowon said: “My position has always been that whatever the North does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.”
According to him, his professional background shaped his apolitical stance.
“I am not affiliated with any political party. My allegiance is solely to Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Gowon was Head of State between 1966 and 1975. A symbol of national unity, he led the country through a three year civil war and declared “no victor, no vanquished” after the conflict.
His administration, apart from pursuing the programmes of rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation (3Rs), set up the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973 to foster integration.
Gowon also created additional states to give people of the diverse ethnic group a sense of belonging.
Reflecting on his decision to create states during his tenure, he said it was meant to prevent regional dominance and encourage unity.
He noted that fears of disintegration loomed heavily in the past, with secessionist sentiments rising in various regions, including the North, East and West.
Gowon said: “At one point, people believed the North wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the East and the West.
“If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up as separate nations—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise.”
He commended the LND for addressing the North’s challenges, but cautioned that regional cooperation should not compromise Nigeria’s unity.
He stressed: “The division of the North into states was meant to preserve national unity. Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest.
“I am not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession (military) shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.
“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies, be it socialism, capitalism, or others, and applying them for the greater good. During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation.”
Gowon expressed hope that LND mission was not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east, until the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.
He said: “From your speech, I understand that this is your intention—to ensure the North, in its current state, focuses on national unity. It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.
“This perspective was borne out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups. The North had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the North.
“At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the South about the North’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions—the West, the East, and even the North. This deeply worried me. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest.
“This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here.”
Gowon said Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths, adding that if citizens can unite despite their differences, they can build the Nigeria they all envision.
He added: “The North is incredibly diverse, encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division.
“The Northern identity, however, is often associated with the Hausa-Fulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like ‘Ngas,’ and they call us “Ngali.” The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage.
“Unfortunately, I feel saddened by the challenges currently facing the North, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukarawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us.
“Nonetheless, I’m honoured and delighted by your visit. Your introductions touched me deeply. Many of you are descendants of respected leaders such as Tafawa Balewa and Shagari. I see this gathering as a continuation of their legacy.”
Shekarau clarified the group’s mission, emphasising that it is not an opposition platform but a movement aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to address the North’s challenges.
He said: “The LND is not an opposition group. We are not here to undermine or challenge the government but to complement its efforts. If the North thrives, Nigeria prospers. If the North falters, the entire nation bears the weight of its collapse.”
He outlined the challenges facing the region, including poverty, insecurity, disunity, illiteracy, and drug addiction.
Shekarau added that the LND has started engaging key Northern stakeholders, including the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), to foster regional unity and collaboration.
He said: “Our ultimate aim is to build bridges that unite the North and extend hands of fellowship to the South, thereby complementing your commitment to solidifying Nigeria as one indivisible entity.”
Shekarau said LND would organise a Northern Nigerian Political Summit in Kaduna to consolidate its efforts.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
