NORTHERN PRESSURE GROUP SEEKS TRANSFORMATION TO POLITICAL PARTY, SAYS APC, PDP HAVE FAILED NIGERIANS
NORTHERN PRESSURE GROUP SEEKS TRANSFORMATION TO POLITICAL PARTY, SAYS APC, PDP HAVE FAILED NIGERIANS Ahead of the politics of 2027, a northern political pressure group, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) said that it is planning to transform into a political party. It also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of failing Nigerians to achieve a viable front of eliminating hunger, poverty and insecurity in the country. It equally sought support from political pressure groups in the south to join it in forming a solid political party. The LND said that its quest to transform to a political party is in line with the call by former National Vice chairman of the APC, Salihu Moh’d Lukman’s recent New Year message incisive critiques of the systemic failures of Nigeria’s current political structure, particularly the undemocratic practices and mediocrity entrenched within the APC and PDP. According to LND, the former APC chieftain challenged Nigerians to embrace a bold, transformative vision: the establishment of a truly democratic political platform that fosters patriotism, political competition, prioritises honesty and accountability, and produces leaders of character and competence. In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the National Convener of LND, Dr. Umar Ardo, 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. He said: ‘’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 elites in the North came up with the 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 national convener of the northern pressure group, added: “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 yearsnot 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 inceptions, have become more entrenched in self service and dishonesty in leadership, particularly since after the Obasanjo presidency.’’ On internal Democracy, Ardo said that these parties have become instruments of imposition, where leadership selection is driven by personal ambition and manipulation, rather than merit or democratic consensus The convener of LND said that existing political parties are nothing but entrenchment of mediocrity and corruption, adding that ‘’their internal systems reward loyalty over competence, perpetuating governance that prioritizes patronage over public interest.”’ The LND accused the APC and PDP of lack of visionary leadership, explaining that “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 stressed. Accordingly, Ardo 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 ‘’Unlike the PDP and APC, the LND’s foundation will be committed to restoring patriotism, honesty and democratic values in the polity.…
Dons Eze
