The framework for the opposition coalition is beginning to solidify, with former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State now tasked with determining whether the group will establish a new political party or merge with an existing one.
This development was revealed in a communiqué read by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), after an expanded meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where his elitist group decided to join the coalition.
The meeting was attended by a former Kano Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and numerous other northern political figures.
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The coalition itself is spearheaded by prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ardo explained that Imoke is leading the committee tasked with exploring the option of fusing into an existing political platform, while Amaechi chairs the committee responsible for registering a new political party.
The LND convener also disclosed that the final decision on the coalition’s political vehicle—whether to join an existing party or register a new one—will be made on May 30.
“We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group for the transitional politics towards 2027 and to contribute in the dialogue on either to register a new political party as the vehicle to drive the politics or fuse into an existing political party,” Ardo stated.
He further detailed, “The coalition set up two committees, among others, to consider the desirability or feasibility of registering a new political party and to consider fusing into an existing political party. Both committees submitted their reports. The committee for fusing into another political party is headed by former Governor Liyel Imoke and the committee for registering a new political party was chaired by erstwhile Governor Rotimi Amaechi. I was the secretary of that subcommittee for the registering of new political parties.”
Ardo also noted that if the idea of forming a mega-party doesn’t materialize, they are still considering platforms like the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as alternatives.
He added, “Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai brought a complaint that SDP is interested in being considered for the fusing. For that, the committee set up the 30th of this month to decide either to go with ADC, SDP or form a new political party. So, we in the LND here have resolved to support that position.”
Beyond the political platform, the LND has resolved to engage the 19 northern governors regarding the severe issues facing the North, including “endemic poverty, destitution, insecurity and unemployment.” Ardo commented, “Most of us have agreed that the biggest problem is the inertia of our 19 northern governors.”
He concluded by stating, “So we resolved that we are going to engage them one way or the other. We resolved to mobilize the North and by extension all Nigerians to pressure government, especially legislators to uphold, defend and protect the constitution of Nigeria.”
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