Dr. Umar Ardo’s Patriotic Vision: A Selfless Struggle For Northern Unity

Dr. Umar Ardo’s Patriotic Vision: A Selfless Struggle for Northern Unity and Progress

By Ummah Abdullahi Getso

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the political landscape of the Northern region has been marred by fragmentation, neglect and self-serving tendencies of its political class. Against this backdrop of stagnation and entrenched power structures, and as the North is now scampering to find solutions to its eminent collapse, Dr. Umar Ardo has emerged as a dedicated and patriotic Northern politician, striving to place the North on a sound footing as a united, strong and prosperous region. This essay extols the selfless spirit of Dr. Ardo, critically examines his efforts to advance the Northern region’s political position and contrasts his vision with the failures of the Northern political elite.

Strengthening Northern Alliances and Political Positioning

One of Dr. Ardo’s most notable attempts to advance Northern politics was his strategic initiative to get the presidency moved to the Niger Delta in 2007. To this end, he initiated and coordinated the South-south for President campaign in 2006-2007. This initiative was rooted in the recognition of the historical alliance between the North and the Niger Delta region, which had the latter supportive of the former from Nigeria’s independence through to the Third Republic. By championing the candidacy of Dr. Peter Odili, a prominent figure from the Niger Delta, Dr. Ardo sought to reciprocate South-south’s alliance with the North, thereby planning to bind together the two regions politically and symbolically.

This move was not merely an act of political reciprocity; it was a calculated strategy to strengthen the North’s position within Nigeria’s complex power dynamics. By supporting a minority candidate of the Niger Delta, Dr. Ardo aimed to dispel the notion that Northerners are power mongers, driven solely by selfish desires. Instead, his efforts were meant to underscore the North’s capacity to play a unifying role in the national political landscape. Through such endeavors, he aimed to demonstrate that the North could be a force for inclusivity and national cohesion, breaking away from the perception of being a region solely focused on its own selfish interests.

Reclaiming Northern Identity and Unity

Beyond political maneuvering, Dr. Ardo also made significant strides in promoting unity and reclaiming the cultural and historical heritage of the North. His two pivotal initiatives stand out in this regard. First, the change in nomenclature from the Sokoto Emirate Council to the Sultanate Council Sokoto (SCS) in May 2000 was a vital move in affirming the region’s identity. The new title reflected a more accurate historical context, aligning the council’s name with its historical and spiritual significance. This move was designed to foster a sense of pride and solidarity among Northerners, reinforcing their collective identity in the face of contemporary challenges.

The second initiative, the celebration of the bicentenary of the Sokoto Caliphate in 2004, marked a defining moment in promoting Northern unity. This event, organized by some of the best brains of Northerners he assembled and described by *Thisday Newspaper* as the “Event of the Decade,” involved a range of activities including emirates’ celebrations, an international conference in Abuja and a grand festival in Sokoto. These events were more than mere celebrations; they were strategic acts aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the people, promoting solidarity and reaffirming the North’s historical and political significance.

The bicentenary had several key objectives: mobilizing the people to celebrate a shared heritage, using the ideals of the Caliphate to reposition them politically, economically and strategically, and reemphasizing the integrative essence of the Caliphate in a multi-cultural setting. This initiative sought to project the North as a region of rich cultural heritage, intellectual strength and historical significance, countering revisionist narratives that sought to diminish the region’s contributions to Nigeria’s development.

A Call to Address Revisionist Narratives

Dr. Ardo’s initiatives on the Sokoto Caliphate also aimed to counteract negative depictions of the North. He understood that the North’s rich history, particularly that of the Sokoto Caliphate, had been subject to misinterpretations, misrepresentations and negative portrayals. Some scholars and politicians had painted the Caliphate as a tribal, feudal and retrogressive entity, often ignoring its intellectual and cultural achievements. Dr. Ardo’s efforts were instrumental in challenging these revisionist narratives and highlighting the progressive aspects of the Caliphate, such as its role in promoting education, scholarship, good governance and unity among diverse ethnic groups.

By initiating the bicentenary celebrations and related academic conferences, Dr. Ardo provided a platform for the dissemination of accurate and balanced perspectives about the North’s history. The literature and books that emerged from these conferences have played a crucial role in preserving the legacy of the Caliphate, offering scholarly insights and addressing misconceptions. These efforts aimed to rekindle a sense of pride and confidence among Northerners, reaffirming their place in Nigeria’s history and future.

Reclaiming Political Relevance for the North

As the North faced a decline in political influence following the 2011 general elections, Dr. Ardo recognized the urgency of regaining power by 2015 to ensure the region’s relevance in Nigeria’s political equation. In analyzing the situation, he concluded that only General Muhammadu Buhari, if imbued with the right strategy, had the requisite appeal to reclaim power for the North. Despite Buhari’s public avowal not to contest again, Dr. Ardo’s persuasive approach was crucial in convincing him to run for the presidency in 2015.

Dr. Ardo played the key role in drafting the blueprint for the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition that ultimately proved successful in bringing Buhari to power. His efforts in organizing and driving the process, and sourcing its initial funding, were critical to the APC’s eventual success. This move was not about personal ambition but a strategic decision driven by a desire to restore political balance, good governance and security in the North. That President Buhari ultimately failed in his leadership was not in anyway Dr. Ardo’s fault since he played no role in the emergent regime.

Halting the Current Drift of Northern Society

And now too, as the North is drifting inexorably into chaos and bloodshed, Dr. Ardo led the way by convening a strong group of Northern elites to unite the North politically, halt the drift and chart a way forward for the region. The group came to be known as the League of Northern Democrats. The League is a coalition of two critical groups within our northern elite. The first group consists of individuals who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of public service, private enterprises and other significant fields. The second group is also composed of such individuals as of the first, but in addition are members of families of our renowned past leaders, patriots, heroes, distinct men and women from the north who served the country and left behind legacies of service and values. The combination of these two groups will be dedicated to repositioning the North to an advantageous position politically, economically and

strategically within the Nigerian nation-state.

A Critical Reflection on the Failures of the Northern Political Class

While Dr. Ardo’s efforts reflect a genuine commitment to the North’s advancement, they also stand in stark contrast to the failures of the Northern political class. Since 1999, many Northern politicians have engaged in self-serving practices, treating politics as a means for personal enrichment rather than a platform for public service. Instead of leveraging their positions to create opportunities for development, improve education, economic opportunities and provide basic amenities, they have prioritized personal gains and allowed the region to drift and stagnate.

This behavior has left the North grappling with a myriad of challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, insecurity and a lack of infrastructure. The failures of the political elite to learn from history and address these systemic issues have only deepened the region’s plight. Their approach is characterized by a lack of vision, unity and commitment to the people’s well-being. In contrast, Dr. Ardo’s work has been defined by a strategic vision, selflessness and a deep understanding of the region’s history and challenges.

Conclusion

Dr. Umar Ardo’s patriotic efforts to uplift Northern Nigeria reflect a rare blend of vision, dedication and selflessness in a region that has been hindered by political fragmentation and the self-serving tendencies of its leaders. From promoting strategic alliances and cultural unity, the countering negative narratives and reclaiming political relevance to the current formation of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Ardo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the North’s progress.

His initiatives highlight what true leadership in the North should entail – a patriotic commitment to the people, guided by principles of justice, unity and progress. As the North continues to navigate its political and socio-economic challenges, it is this spirit of genuine dedication and service that will be essential to overcoming the failures of the past and charting a course toward a stronger and more prosperous future. Dr. Ardo’s efforts serve as a call to action for the region’s leaders to rise above personal ambition and prioritize the collective good of the Northern people.