A political pressure group, the League of Northern Democrats( LND), has said that the All Progressives Congress ( APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , as well as other existing political parties have failed the country.
Consequently, the group, in a statement by its convener, Umar Ardo, called on patriotic politicians in the Southern part of the country to join ranks with it to form a League of Nigerian Democrats, which will eventually transmute to a political party.
According to him, the APC, PDP and other existing political parties have not only failed to address the fundamental problems plaguing the country, but also have no intention to do so.
The existing parties have been characterized by lack of patriotism, imposition and entrenchment of mediocrity, Ardo argued, lamenting that lack of visionary leadership by the parties is deepening poverty in the country.
He explained that the League of Nigerian Democrats, when formed, would commit to transformational leadership and work for the renewal of the country’s democracy.
“Both parties have consistently leaders more interested in consolidating power than addressing the socio-economic realities of Nigerians,” Ardo charged.
“This trajectory has resulted in deepening poverty, heightened insecurity, eroded public trust and a national psyche weighed down by despair and cynicism. Clearly, Nigeria’s progress demands a radical departure from this failing paradigm.
“The League of National Democrats as a registered political entity offers an innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking approach to rebuilding Nigeria’s political system. Its guiding principles and strategic orientation will uniquely position it to deliver the credible change Nigerians desperately seek.
“Unlike the PDP and APC, the LND’s foundation will be committed to restoring patriotism, honesty and democratic values in the polity. Leadership selection
within the LND will be predicated on merit, transparency and robust competition.
“By institutionalizing these values, the LND will ensure that only leaders with the patriotism, honesty, competence and integrity to serve the nation emerge at every level of governance.”
Ardo assured that the “LND will prioritize institutional renewal as the bedrock of national transformation. It will seek to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s political and
economic systems by: promoting a merit-based society that incentivizes character and competence.”
“It will also strengthen accountability mechanisms to reduce corruption and inefficiency, while creating frameworks that reward public service excellence over mediocrity,” Ardo stressed.
“And while its origins lie in Northern Nigeria, the LND aims to transcend regional and sectarian boundaries. Its goal is to foster national cohesion and inclusivity, recognizing Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength.
“By expanding its reach into the southern part of the country to form a League of National Democrats,
the LND will be poised to build bridges across Nigeria’s divides, uniting citizens in the pursuit of common aspirations. The LND will champion evidence-based
approaches to leadership selection.”
