The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has issued a direct and firm charge to northern governors, urging them to unequivocally assume responsibility for securing their respective states. The group specifically cautioned against engaging in rapid negotiations with known bandits, asserting that such dialogue would hold little value if it does not involve verifiable disarmament and tangible de-escalation processes designed to ensure citizen protection and restore societal order.

These significant resolutions were established during the LND’s meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night and subsequently communicated in a statement signed by Mohmood Tunde Hassan, the assistant national publicity secretary of the organization. The LND expressed strong disapproval of current bandit negotiations, stating, “While all legitimate measures to end insecurity are welcome, giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue is unacceptable and amounts to legitimising terror.”

The League of Northern Democrats outlined critical prerequisites for any genuine peace process. They insisted that such processes demand militarily secured areas, strictly enforced ceasefires, neutral weapon-free venues, independent third-party verification of disarmament efforts, and rigorous measures for civilian protection. The LND pointed to the “Katsina episode” as an example where these fundamental aspects were reportedly ignored, thereby undermining both effective security and accountability.

Furthermore, the LND emphasized that dialogue only achieves meaning when it is explicitly linked to verifiable disarmament and concrete de-escalation efforts aimed at safeguarding citizens and reinstating order. The group held northern governors accountable for their duties, stating, “Northern Governors must assume responsibility for securing their states. Excuses of structural constraints are hollow—no law prevents them from protecting their people.”

In addition to security matters, the LND also called upon all stakeholders to recommit themselves to repositioning the North within the mainstream of Nigerian society. This involves actively confronting and resolving the existential challenges that are currently impeding the nation's progress and stability.

In a separate resolution, the LND commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its transparent management of the ongoing political party registration process. The group urged INEC to sustain this high level of credibility, recognizing its importance in strengthening public confidence in the nation’s electoral system. The LND concluded by appealing to all pre-qualified bodies and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement, highlighting that such adherence is vital for the health and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.