Atiku, El-Rufai-led coalition will make a critical decision on May 30 regarding the future of their political alliance—whether to form a new party or merge into an existing one. This was made known following an expanded meeting held in Abuja by the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a political group that recently joined the coalition.
During the meeting, former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River State) were appointed to lead separate committees that will guide the decision-making process. Amaechi chairs the committee exploring the option of registering a new political party, while Imoke leads the committee reviewing the possibility of merging with an existing one.
Dr. Umar Ardo, the convener of the LND, addressed journalists after the meeting. He noted that both committees had submitted their reports and that the final decision on the political direction of the coalition will be taken on May 30. The coalition aims to build a solid platform in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
“We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group for the transitional politics towards 2027 and to contribute to the dialogue on either registering a new political party as the vehicle to drive the politics or fusing into an existing political party,” Ardo stated.
He further noted that if the option of forming a mega party does not succeed, existing platforms like the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) are being considered.
“Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai brought a complaint that the SDP is interested in being considered for the fusion. 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,” Ardo added.
The LND also plans to directly engage the 19 northern governors regarding what it described as worsening socio-economic conditions in the region. Ardo noted issues such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, which he linked to the lack of urgency by northern leaders.
He stated, “We also resolved to engage the 19 northern governors on the terrible situation in the North – the endemic poverty, destitution, insecurity and unemployment facing Northern Nigeria. Most of us have agreed that the biggest problem is the inertia of our 19 northern governors.”
