Former VP Sambo and Gen. Dambazau Support Formation of League of Northern Democrats

Former Vice President Namadi Sambo and retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, the former Chief of Army Staff, have endorsed the newly formed League of Northern Democrats (NLD), calling it a timely initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by the North and the nation as a whole.

During a meeting at his residence in Abuja with the League’s leadership, including Chairman and former Kano State Governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Sambo expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on agriculture, education, and health, which has exacerbated poverty and inequality across the region. He emphasized the need for collective action, urging participants to leverage their diverse experiences and resources to fulfill the aspirations of the people while promoting sustainable peace and socio-economic development.

In a separate communication to the League’s Convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, General Dambazau highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle the deteriorating conditions in Northern Nigeria, including insecurity, banditry, illiteracy, and poverty. He commended the group’s commitment to addressing these issues and viewed the NLD as a vital platform for uniting leaders and stakeholders to foster a more prosperous future for the North. Dambazau pledged his involvement in the League’s initiatives aimed at regional improvement.

The League of Northern Democrats, convened by Dr. Umar Ardo, recently held its inaugural meeting with participation from prominent Northern elites. Senator Ibrahim Shekarau was appointed as the pro tem Chairman, with Hon. Emmanuel Jime serving as Secretary, among other distinguished members from the region.

A significant summit is planned for October in Kaduna, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected to attend. The NLD is positioned as a non-partisan group, free from political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, and aims to assist the government in addressing critical issues such as insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and drug addiction among youth in Northern states.