The Northern Elders Forum and the National Political Consultative Group have announced plans to promote unity in the northern region of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election. The strategy involves engaging traditional rulers and religious leaders across the 19 northern states to foster a sense of cohesion.

Speaking at an expanded meeting of the National Political Consultative Group in Abuja, the Director-General of the Northern Elders Forum, Doknan Sheni, emphasized the need for the region to address internal and external factors contributing to disunity. He stressed that northern leaders must work to restore the spirit of inclusiveness that was once championed by the late premier of the northern region, Ahmadu Bello.

Sheni warned that if sensitive identity issues are not properly managed, the region and the country as a whole may continue to experience deeper ethno-religious divisions. The northern region has historically been a pivotal factor in Nigeria’s political landscape, and efforts to promote unity there could have significant implications for the country’s stability and development.

The move by the Northern Elders Forum and the National Political Consultative Group is seen as a proactive step towards addressing the regional and national challenges posed by disunity and fragmentation. By engaging traditional and religious leaders, the groups aim to leverage the influence of these figures to promote a sense of shared identity and purpose among the people of the northern region.

The 2027 general election is expected to be a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the country’s ability to navigate its complex ethnic and religious diversity. Efforts to promote unity and inclusiveness in the northern region could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the election and the future trajectory of the country. As the election approaches, the success of initiatives like the one launched by the Northern Elders Forum and the National Political Consultative Group will be closely watched by observers both within and outside Nigeria.