The League of Northern Democrats (LND) headed by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau would transform into a political party.
The convener of the LND, Dr. Umar Ardo, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said the group would seek the support from like minded people in southern Nigeria to actualize this objective.
This, it said, would help build a political party strong enough to break the vice-like grip of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the nation’s polity.
“The PDP and APC, along with other existing political parties, have not only failed to address Nigeria’s fundamental challenges, but have also, over the years, not shown sign or intention to ever do so.
“Their methods of governance have, throughout, been marked by absence of patriotism and sacrifice.
‘’The two parties, since their inception, have become more entrenched in self-service and dishonesty in leadership, particularly after the Obasanjo presidency.
“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; and 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.”
Ardo said Nigeria is faced with endemic poverty, insecurity, inequality, institutional decay, corruption and socio-economic stagnation, adding that these were a direct consequence of poor governance.
He said the move for an alternative platform to tackle the nation’s problems could not have come at a better time, adding that this 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 elites 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 a similar process in the south that we ultimately merge with to create the League of National Democrats, LND, and transform it into a registered political party.
“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, LND’s foundation will be committed to restoring patriotism, honesty and democratic values in the polity.”
