LND Rejects Dialogue with Bandits, Applauds INEC’s Party Registration Transparency
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has strongly opposed the recent negotiations between some state governments and bandits, describing the move as an attempt to legitimize criminality.
In a statement issued yesterday by its Assistant National Secretary, Mahmood Tunde Hassan, the group condemned any form of dialogue with bandits, stressing that such actions amount to “giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue.”
“LND expresses grave concern over the so-called negotiations with known bandits. While all legitimate measures to end insecurity are welcome, giving criminals a free pass in the name of dialogue is unacceptable,” the statement read.
The group urged Northern governors to take full responsibility for securing their states, noting that excuses of structural limitations are “hollow” since no law prevents them from protecting their people.
The LND further called on stakeholders to rededicate themselves to repositioning the North within the Nigerian mainstream by tackling the existential challenges threatening national stability.
Meanwhile, in a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Abuja, the LND commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transparency demonstrated in its ongoing political party registration process.
The group urged the Commission to sustain its credibility drive to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, while calling on all pre-qualified bodies and stakeholders to respect the rules of engagement in the overall interest of the nation.
