Northern political leaders are making early moves ahead of the 2027 elections as key organisations in the region have begun working on a joint strategy to regain political influence and present a united front.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) say they will hold a major Northern Unity Summit in early 2026.
According to them, the goal is to strengthen cooperation among major power blocs in the North ahead of the next general election.
At a meeting in Abuja over the weekend, the Director General of the NEF, Prof. Doknan Sheni, stressed the need for unity across the region.
He said the North must fix internal differences and prepare as one political force if it hopes to play a major role in 2027.
Speaking on the topic “The Imperative of Northern Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections,” he warned that failure to address identity issues could worsen divisions.
According to him, unless leaders act fast, “the North, and by extension Nigeria, may continue to slide into deeper ethno-religious fragmentation.”
Prof. Sheni said northern political and traditional leaders will be mobilized to educate voters before the elections.
He urged them to encourage citizens to vote based on ideas and leadership qualities, not emotions or tribe.
He also called for wider training for electoral officials to avoid technical errors during polls.
“There must be training of INEC staff, particularly the ad hoc staff, to know how to use the gadgets used in voting… INEC must build confidence in the populace,” he noted.
Part of the plan includes a regional leaders’ summit in the first quarter of 2026 to develop a common political and economic direction.
“For the north to unite towards the 2027 elections, there should be a summit of northern leaders… to harmonize ideas and plan for the elections,” he said.
Prof. Sheni also raised concerns that outsiders could take advantage of internal northern disputes.
He warned that political actors from other regions may exploit divisions if unity is not restored. “There may be other political interests by other Nigerians to wedge and exploit political, religious and ethnic differences…” he said, urging leaders to “do everything possible to narrow and minimize these differences.”
He argued that a united North would have stronger bargaining power in governance, resource allocation, and security affairs.
The NEF DG noted the region continues to suffer from serious insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and farmer–herder crises. He called for closer cooperation between northern governors, elders, traditional rulers, and regional organizations to tackle these problems.
On economic issues, Prof. Sheni advocated deeper investment mobilization and youth engagement.
He encouraged leaders to support programmes like the Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialization Summit to create jobs and reduce unrest.
“If this succeeds and is implemented, unemployment and youth restiveness will decrease significantly,” he added.
The northern groups say the coming months will be used to consolidate alliances before parties begin primaries and campaign activities ahead of 2027.