Former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State have been given the strategic task of determining whether to float a brand-new political party or align with an existing one, a move that could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.
The development was revealed on Thursday in Abuja by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), who announced the group’s official alignment with the emerging coalition. The announcement followed an expanded high-level meeting attended by prominent northern politicians, including former Kano Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and other influential figures.
The coalition, which has steadily gained traction, is being led by top political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. It is seen as a bold move to consolidate opposition strength and offer a credible alternative to the current administration.
According to Dr. Ardo, Imoke has been appointed to head the committee tasked with evaluating the option of merging with an existing political platform, while Amaechi leads the team responsible for exploring the creation of a new party. The final decision is expected to be made public on May 30, a date now highly anticipated in political circles.
“The National Opposition Coalition Group has begun consultations for transitional politics leading up to 2027. We’ve set up two major committees, one to explore the formation of a new party and another to assess the potential of joining an existing party,” Ardo said. He added that he personally served as secretary to the subcommittee handling new party registration.
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Several political parties, including the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), are currently being considered as possible platforms if the coalition opts against forming a new party. El-Rufai reportedly recommended the SDP for serious consideration, further fueling speculations about potential alliances.
Dr. Ardo also emphasized the coalition’s resolve to tackle pressing issues in Northern Nigeria, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and government inertia. He accused the 19 northern governors of failing to act decisively and pledged that the coalition would actively engage them in the coming months.
“We have resolved to mobilize the North and all Nigerians to pressure the government, especially lawmakers, to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and address the suffering of our people,” he declared.
With high-level consultations ongoing and the deadline of May 30 approaching, Nigeria’s political atmosphere is heating up. The possibility of a new mega opposition party or a united front under an existing party could be a game-changer in the countdown to 2027.