The Northern Minority Alliance for Balanced Leadership (NIMABL) has called for the establishment of a broad-based leadership coalition to promote political inclusion, security, economic development and equitable representation for minority communities across Northern Nigeria.
In a statement titled “Northern Minorities at a Political Crossroads,” NIMABL National President, Zaman Saleh, said Northern minority communities have reached a critical stage that requires stronger organisation and coordinated engagement with government and national institutions.
According to him, despite their contributions to Nigeria’s political, economic and security development, many minority communities continue to express concerns over representation, inclusion and access to opportunities.
Saleh noted that while population strength is important in democratic politics, effective organisation remains the key to translating numbers into influence and sustainable advocacy.
He identified political fragmentation as a major challenge, stressing the need for communities to unite around common interests while preserving their individual identities.
The alliance also highlighted the importance of addressing security and representation simultaneously, particularly in communities affected by insecurity, displacement and economic disruption in parts of Northern Nigeria.
NIMABL urged Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, to help facilitate dialogue aimed at strengthening engagement between minority communities, government institutions and policymakers.
According to the group, General Musa’s experience in security and public service, alongside Dogara’s legislative and political background, positions them to contribute meaningfully to conversations on national cohesion, inclusive governance and institution-building.
The alliance proposed a five-year roadmap that includes a Northern Minorities Leadership Summit, the establishment of a Northern Minorities Council, a security and policy research desk, a leadership academy and a permanent platform for engagement with government, security agencies, development partners and civil society organisations.
It added that priority areas should include security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, youth development, digital inclusion and fair political representation.
Saleh said the objective is to transform minority communities into active stakeholders in national development through constructive engagement, evidence-based advocacy and stronger institutions.
He emphasized that the proposed coalition should focus on inclusion rather than ethnic competition, adding that its ultimate goal is to ensure that every community has a meaningful opportunity to participate in Nigeria’s development and democratic process.