Saturday Sun gathered that the leaders who are worried that the region has not benefitted much in concrete terms under the current dispensation have begun to reach out to former Heads of state and Presidents with a view to seeking their help on how to mobilise electoral support for the best candidate. They are doing this under the name, Northern Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly. Notable retired military Generals, ex-Governors, ex-Ministers and other top political leaders from the North, who dominate the body have split into committees and sub-committees for the purpose of handling different segments of their mission. Even though he was invited to join by the initiators, elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai has been appointed as the leader of the group and their first assignment is to get former Heads of state to buy into their agenda before they begin to shop for a presidential candidate to support for the next election. He is being assisted by Dr. Umar Ardo who heads the secretariat.

Some of the prominent retired Generals on this mission include; Gen. J.T Useni, Gen. John Temlong, Gen. India Garba, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Gen. E.T Nienge, Gen. Laurence Onoja, Gen. M.D Chong, Col. Habibu Shuaibu, Navy Commodore Isaac M. Mankilik, Commodore D.T Hinga, Commodore Mainasara B. Kaoje and Maj. Hassan Zara. Former governors also drafted for the assignment include Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, Ibrahim Idris Wada, Barr. Ibrahim Shema, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and Mr Boni Haruna. Ex-Ministers also involved include Dr. Bello Mohammed Haliru, Amb. Bagudu Hirse, Alhaji Muktari Shagari, Dr. Mohammed Shata, Sen. Bala Mohammed, Dr. Ibrahim Lame, and Engr. Mohammed Abba Gana.
Others are Senator Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu, Senator Paul Wampana, Sen. JKN Waku, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba, Alhaji Dauda Birma, Hon. Margret Ichen, Senator Simeon Ajibola, Arch. Ibrahim Bunu, Hajiya Inna Ciroma, Hajia Zainab Maina, Princess Rabi Ibrahim, Amb. Esther Audu, Sen. Joseph Akaagerger, Sen. Ndayako Dangana, DIG Philemon Leha, Barr. Umaru Shentien, Dr. Luka Bahago, Mohammed Abdullahi Keffi, , Alh. Nasir Zahradeen and Hajiya Mairo Habib.

Also involved are, Bishop Pinot Ogbaje, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, Amb. Ladan Shuni, Engr. Buba Galadima, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, Naja’atu Mohammed, Hon. Murtala Shehu Yar’adua, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, Sen. Solomon Ewuga, Prof. Dakum Shown, Sen. Isa Yahaya Zarewa, Alh. Kabir Tafida, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, Alhaji Yakubu Bamali, Hon. Emmanuel Jankanwa and Engr. Muhammed Baba Kachalla among several others.
As part of its agenda to get the support of former Heads of state, the group recently had audience with former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. A similar meeting scheduled with former Heads of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar could not hold because both have been out of the country for weeks now. It was gathered they are also planning to meet former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the same subject.