The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, and the National Political Consultative Group, NPCG, have declared plans to rally the entire northern region toward unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

The groups said the strategy will include the involvement of traditional rulers and religious leaders across the 19 northern states.

The Director-General of of NEF, Doknan Sheni, while speaking at the expanded meeting of the NPCG held in Abuja on Saturday, stated that the region must first address the factors both internal and external that have caused disunity in the north.

According to him, Northern leaders must work to restore the spirit of inclusiveness once championed by the late premier of the northern region, Ahmadu Bello.

“Unless sensitive identity issues are properly managed, the region, and by extension, Nigeria, may continue to slide into deeper ethno-religious divisions,” he warned.

We must overcome disunity to shape 2027 elections – Northern elders