Northern leaders decry rising insecurity, call for united political front

Political leaders from Northern Nigeria have issued a strong warning over the deteriorating security situation in the region, declaring it a major contributor to rising poverty, unemployment, and educational collapse.

The call came during the 2nd Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), held on Sunday, May 25, at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Attended by prominent leaders from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, the meeting focused heavily on addressing insecurity and forging a common political front for the region.

In his keynote address, former Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), stated: “Our region is bleeding. We cannot pretend otherwise. The rising wave of insecurity has crippled our economy, displaced communities, and shattered educational foundations.”

Following his remarks, leaders from the South—Mr. Rotimi Amaechi (South-South), Mr. Peter Obi (South-East), and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (South-West)—delivered goodwill messages, expressing solidarity and the need for national cooperation in confronting Nigeria’s challenges.

The communique issued after the meeting was firm and direct. “Delegates acknowledged that insecurity had reached an unprecedented level under the present administration, aggravating poverty, hunger, destitution, and the near collapse of education at the primary and secondary levels,” the statement read.

The group resolved that political decisions going forward must be guided not by fear or sentiment, but by informed strategy. “The three major drivers of any society are fear, emotions, and knowledge,” the communique continued. “The North must not allow itself to be driven by fear or emotions, but by knowledge.”

Mr. Babachir Lawal, Chairman of the NPCG (North), emphasized the urgency of political cohesion: “We must proceed with a united front in our political choices. Fragmentation only weakens our bargaining power in the national equation.”

Delegates also criticized what they described as a growing trend of political impunity among elected officials. “It is unacceptable for governors and legislators to act without consulting the people who elected them,” one delegate said. “Endorsements for re-election or other political moves must be rooted in constituency engagement.”

Other key resolutions include:

• The immediate unveiling of a political platform to pursue regional interests.

• Escalation of the group’s framework to all 19 northern states and the FCT.

• Promotion of industrialization and productivity to lift the region out of economic stagnation.

• A commitment to equity, fairness, and justice both within and between northern states.

Perhaps most notably, the group agreed that future electoral support for candidates must be based on “enforceable agreements” designed to protect the North’s interests, regardless of where a candidate hails from.

Committees were established at the end of the meeting to drive the implementation of these resolutions.

“We are no longer in the era of empty promises,” Mr. Lawal concluded. “Our people deserve leadership that is accountable, strategic, and committed to real change.”