Ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent northern leaders on Thursday gathered at the historic ‘Arewa House in Kaduna to unveil the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative,’ a movement they say is designed to unify the North, tackle insecurity and socio-economic challenges, and foster inclusive development.
Though organizers insist the Initiative is non-partisan, political undertones were hard to ignore, as the event brought together retired generals, former governors, traditional rulers, civil society actors, youth groups, and development experts — many of whom voiced deep dissatisfaction with the state of governance and the marginalization of Northern interests in recent years.
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, who chairs the Board of Trustees of the Initiative, told the gathering that the North must not be content with lamentation but should instead rise above its divisions and take responsibility for its future.
“The northern region can overcome its challenges through collective effort, unity of purpose, and a renewed commitment to inclusive development,” Bafarawa declared.
While affirming that the Initiative was not formed as a political platform and had no plans to morph into a political party, Bafarawa emphasized that it would only support individuals regardless of affiliation who demonstrate clear alignment with its core values and developmental goals.
“We are not out to fight anybody but rather to build bridges and foster constructive engagement… Our mission transcends partisan politics,” he said.
Bafarawa added, “Let the world see a new narrative emerging from our region. One that tells of courage, resilience, and transformation. One that says: Yes, peace is possible. Yes, unity is achievable. And yes, development is within our reach.”
Speaking to an audience made up of community leaders, royal fathers, youth organizations, and international development partners, the former governor painted a grim picture of the North’s current state, citing persistent insecurity, youth unemployment, erosion of values, and widespread poverty.
He, however, maintained that the Initiative was a bold and structured response to those challenges.
“The Arewa Cohesion Initiative is our collective response… Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equity and dialogue,” Bafarawa said.
He outlined the Initiative’s core objectives as including:”promoting peaceful coexistence among the region’s diverse ethnic and religious groups;creating structured platforms for dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution;engaging youth in meaningful ventures;partnering with government agencies, civil society, and international organizations; advocating for good governance and visionary leadership.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the Initiative, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, described the launch as the beginning of a “transformative journey” for the region, noting that it emerged from widespread consultations across Northern communities and institutions.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome you to this important occasion. The Initiative is anchored on three interlinked pillars — peacebuilding, unity, and sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, the movement is not an attempt to supplant existing peace and development efforts but to synergize and build momentum for a unified response to regional challenges.
He said, “Let it be clear, this initiative does not seek to duplicate existing efforts but to complement and connect them. We must move from words to action, from planning to implementation, and from isolation to cooperation.”
He called on traditional and political leaders to embrace the Initiative’s vision and take collective ownership of the process.
“The problems we face today were not created overnight, and they will not be resolved overnight. But with patience, coordination, and sustained commitment, transformation is possible,” he said.
Also speaking, Brig.Gen. Jon Temlong (retd.), who chaired the unveiling ceremony, described the initiative as a turning point in the North’s long struggle for peace and progress.
“What we witness today is not merely the birth of another organization, but the emergence of a movement rooted in hope, guided by wisdom, and driven by an unwavering commitment to the prosperity of our people,” he said.
Temlong noted that the symbolism behind the unveiling extended beyond the logo or organizational structure, noting that it represented “a covenant with our future.”
“The Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative represents the collective voice of a region that refuses to be defined by its challenges, but rather by its capacity to overcome them.
“Today, we unveil more than a logo or an emblem; we unveil a covenant with our future,” he added.
