The opposition coalition’s organizational framework is beginning to take shape as former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State have been tasked with deciding whether to establish a new political party or merge into an existing one.
This development was announced by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during a press briefing following an expanded coalition meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
The gathering included prominent northern politicians, including former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, alongside many others from the region’s political elite.
The coalition is led by influential opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Dr. Ardo clarified that Imoke is chairing the committee focused on merging with an existing party, while Amaechi heads the committee exploring the option of registering a new political party.
He added that a final decision on the coalition’s path—whether to join an established party or create a new one—will be reached by May 30.
“We have agreed to back the National Opposition Coalition Group as it navigates the transitional politics toward 2027,” Ardo said. “Our role includes contributing to the dialogue on whether to form a new political party or merge with an existing one.”
He continued, “Two committees were established to examine the feasibility of both options. The committee on merging is led by former Governor Imoke, while the committee on forming a new party is chaired by former Governor Amaechi, with myself serving as secretary.”
Ardo also mentioned that parties like the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) remain options if the coalition decides against creating a new party.
“Governor El-Rufai highlighted SDP’s interest in a merger. The committee set May 30 as the deadline to decide whether to join ADP, SDP, or launch a new political party. The LND supports this approach,” he said.
Furthermore, Ardo revealed plans to engage the 19 northern governors on pressing regional issues such as poverty, insecurity, and unemployment.
“Our consensus is that the inactivity of the northern governors is a major challenge,” he stated. “We are committed to mobilizing the North—and Nigeria as a whole—to pressure the government and legislators to uphold and protect the Nigerian Constitution.”
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