The Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies (Mambaya House) on Friday held a roundtable discussion to commemorate the 9th Annual Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) Day and the 75th anniversary of the historic party, founded in 1950.
With the theme “Political Party Alliances in Nigerian Politics: Lessons from NEPU”, the event brought together historians, political scientists, and other stakeholders to reflect on the legacy of one of Northern Nigeria’s most iconic political movements.
Professor Bello Ibrahim, Deputy Director (Training) at Mambaya House, described NEPU as the first major political force in Northern Nigeria to champion the cause of the common people over the interests of the aristocratic elite.
“NEPU, founded on August 8, 1950, in Kano, was built on the pillars of education, knowledge, and equal rights for all, regardless of gender,” he said.
He urged today’s political class to draw inspiration from NEPU’s values:
“If our leaders adopted NEPU’s principles, Nigeria would experience more equitable development and political maturity.”
He emphasized that the roundtable was not just a commemoration but a call to action, reminding Nigerians that NEPU’s ideological clarity and unwavering commitment to the masses remain vital today.
Professor Tijjani Naniya of Bayero University, Kano, reflected on NEPU’s disciplined approach to political alliances, citing the 1954 partnership with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
“NEPU entered alliances only when its values aligned with those of its partners—and walked away when they didn’t,” he said.
“Unlike today’s political coalitions, which are mostly convenience-driven and lack ideological direction, NEPU and NCNC had vision. Today, personal gain has overtaken national interest.”
Chairing the event, Suleiman Mambo, former Director-General of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, highlighted how politics has shifted from ideology to opportunism.
“In the past, politics was driven by clear principles and a sense of purpose. Today, it’s arbitrary, power for its own sake,” he said.
He stressed that political rivalry was once rooted in differing methods to achieve shared goals, not the kind of bitter, winner-takes-all contests that now define Nigerian elections.
Mambo called for a broad reorientation of the political culture, urging both leaders and citizens to view political competition as a platform for service—not conquest.
“You may win today and lose tomorrow. But if we all share a common goal, politics will no longer be a zero-sum game,” he added.
