As disillusionment grows with the perceived failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has called for a transformative shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the LND aims to forge a partnership with like-minded individuals and groups in the southern regions to create a unified and credible national political platform, the League of National Democrats, to provide Nigerians with a viable alternative for leadership and governance.
A statement issued on Sunday by Dr Umar Ardo, Convener of the LND, emphasised that the persistent issues plaguing Nigeria—poverty, insecurity, institutional decay, corruption, and economic stagnation—are the direct consequences of poor governance by the APC and PDP.
These parties, he noted, have prioritised self-serving interests, entrenched mediocrity, and neglected internal democracy, leading to decades of unfulfilled promises and deepening despair among Nigerians.
Ardo underscored that both parties have failed to produce visionary leaders committed to national transformation.
“The APC and PDP have perpetuated a culture of dishonesty and mediocrity, rewarding loyalty over competence and prioritising power consolidation over public service,” he stated.
He affirmed that it was in response to widespread frustration that the LND was conceived as a platform rooted in democratic values, transparency, and accountability.
Initially a northern initiative, the LND now wants to expand its reach to the southern regions, with the ultimate goal of creating the League of National Democrats as a registered political party.
This new political platform seeks to provide a credible alternative by institutionalising meritocracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with proven competence and integrity.
Ardo explained that the LND is built on principles designed to address Nigeria’s systemic governance failures.
These, he said, include restoring trust in governance by prioritising honesty and inclusivity, establishing leadership selection processes based on measurable criteria, rewarding competence and integrity over patronage, strengthening accountability mechanisms and rebuilding public institutions to reduce corruption and inefficiency, and fostering unity by transcending regional and sectarian divides, recognising diversity as a strength.
The LND envisions itself as a grassroots-driven movement that empowers citizens to reclaim their political destiny. By engaging directly with Nigerians and promoting democratic values, the party seeks to bridge the widening gap between leaders and the electorate, restoring faith in governance.
Ardo stated that, unlike the APC and PDP, the LND will focus on evidence-based policies to address poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and corruption.
He said the group will offer a credible platform for Nigerians dissatisfied with existing political options, leading the charge in restoring democratic competition and ensuring governance is effective and aligned with public interest.
Ardo called on patriotic Nigerians to rally around the LND, support its registration as a political party, and work collectively to build a truly pan-Nigerian political movement.
“This is a moment for citizens to demand transparency, meritocracy, and accountability in leadership. Together, we can chart a course toward a brighter, united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he urged.
The LND Convener assured that it represents more than a political initiative as it is a promise to Nigerians, a commitment to deliver governance that prioritises the common good, rewards excellence, and embraces diversity.
He added that with its foundation firmly rooted in democratic values, the LND aspires to redefine Nigeria’s political future, offering hope and direction to a nation yearning for credible change.
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