Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has said that maintaining Nigeria’s democracy rests on the northern part of the country and urged the region to prioritise the nation’s collective good in its pursuits.
Gowon, spoke during a courtesy visit by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by its Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, in Abuja on Monday.
“My position has always been that whatever the North does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria,” Gowon said.
He reiterated that his professional background shaped his apolitical stance, affirming, “I am not affiliated with any political party. My allegiance is solely to Nigeria.”
Gowon reflected on his decision to support the creation of multiple states during his tenure as a means to prevent regional dominance and foster unity.
He noted that fears of disintegration loomed heavily in the past, with secessionist sentiments rising in various regions, including the North, East, and West.
“At one point, people believed the North wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the East and the West,” Gowon said.
“If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up as separate nations—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise.”
He commended the League of Northern Democrats for its efforts to address the North’s challenges but cautioned that regional cooperation should not compromise Nigeria’s unity.
“The division of the North into states was meant to preserve national unity. Whatever you do, always prioritize the nation’s interest,” Gowon stressed.
In his remarks, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, clarified the group’s mission, emphasizing that it is not an opposition platform but a movement aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to address the North’s challenges.
“The LND is not an opposition group. We are not here to undermine or challenge the government but to complement its efforts. If the North thrives, Nigeria prospers. If the North falters, the entire nation bears the weight of its collapse,” Shekarau said.
He outlined the pressing challenges facing the region, including poverty, insecurity, disunity, illiteracy, and drug addiction.
Shekarau added that the LND has begun engaging key Northern stakeholders, such as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and Middle Belt Forum (MBF), to foster regional unity and collaboration.
“Our ultimate aim is to build bridges that unite the North and extend hands of fellowship to the South, thereby complementing your commitment to solidifying Nigeria as one indivisible entity,” Shekarau noted.
The LND also announced plans for a Northern Nigerian Political Summit in Kaduna to consolidate its efforts.