Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has endorsed a new northern advocacy movement the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative describing it as a timely effort to protect and advance Northern Nigeria’s interests.
Babangida made the remarks on Wednesday when leaders of the group, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman and former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, visited him at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.
He commended the group’s leadership, including Director General Dr. Abdullahi Idris, for their dedication to promoting unity and development in the region.
“Northern Nigeria urgently needs credible voices to push for development and protect its interests. I commend your initiative and urge you to stay focused and patriotic,” Babangida said.
The group, according to Bafarawa, will be formally launched on July 10, 2025, in Kaduna and is designed to serve as a credible, non-partisan voice for the North amid rising political and socio-economic challenges.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Bafarawa emphasized the group’s commitment to peace, unity, and democratic growth, warning against regional blame games and divisive politics.
“Without peace, there can be no development. And without opposition, there is no democracy. Nigeria must grow through collective responsibility,” he said.
Although he is not aligned with any political party, Bafarawa stated that the group is politically active in a constructive and independent capacity.
“We are willing to support any leader with a clear blueprint for Nigeria’s progress, particularly in the North,” he added.
Dr. Abdullahi Idris, the group’s Director General, said the movement would advocate for inclusive governance and socio-economic equity, stressing that insecurity and underdevelopment remain major concerns for northern citizens.
“We are deeply grateful for General Babangida’s endorsement. This gives us renewed confidence to pursue our mission,” Idris said.
The endorsement signals a growing interest in regional advocacy and political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, as the North seeks a stronger voice in shaping Nigeria’s future.
