Arewa group laments alleged marginalisation of North, unveils strategy for 2027

The Arewa Defence League (ADL) has lamented what it described as the “persistent and worsening political, economic, and infrastructural marginalisation” of Northern Nigeria, vowing to galvanise the region into a unified force ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a communique issued on Wednesday at the end of its roundtable discussion held at the Arewa House, Kaduna, the group said Northern Nigeria has been “relegated to a peripheral status in national affairs” under successive federal administrations.
The communique was signed Murtala Abubakar, president of the ADL, and Danladi Aliyu, secretary of the communique drafting committee
The meeting, which brought together state coordinators, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) representative, and key regional stakeholders, focused on the theme: “Addressing Current Northern Marginalization in Nigeria: Towards a Unified Strategy for 2027.”
The group noted alleged economic disparities, skewed resource allocation,  selective siting of federal infrastructure, and  neglect of the region’s agricultural and mineral potential which it said had deepened poverty, unemployment, and insecurity across the region.
It also accused the federal government of sidelining the region from strategic decision-making roles in security, governance, and economic policy.
“The meeting decried the systematic political exclusion and the deliberate weakening of the region’s influence in key national security, economic, and governance decision-making processes,” the communique stated.
Participants at the roundtable also expressed frustration over alleged weak federal response to widespread insecurity in the north.
The roundtable expressed deep frustration over the continued suffering of northerners due to rampant insecurity, which, according to the communique, has crippled socio-economic activities.
The group accused the federal government of alleging “lack of a decisive and effective response to protect lives and property.”
The communique said, “The ADL will compile a ‘charter of Northern grievances’ to document instances of political, economic, and developmental neglect, which will guide its engagement with national actors.”
The group also announced plans to convene an immediate strategy seminar within 30 days to develop a unified Northern position on national issues.
It further resolved to design a framework for a broader Northern stakeholders’ conference within six months, which will involve traditional, religious, political, youth, and women leaders across the 19 northern states and the FCT.
It also plans to roll out a non-partisan voter education and grassroots mobilisation campaign aimed at empowering the Northern electorates in preparation for the 2027 elections.
The group expressed its commitment to Northern unity, stating that its doors are opened to alliances with other regions to pursue constructive engagement and build coalitions for a truly united federation.
The group said its ultimate goal is to reclaim the region’s “rightful place in national politics through unity, strategic engagement, and democratic action.”