The League of Northern Democrats (LND), under the leadership of former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, has announced it will only join the emerging opposition coalition against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if a new political party is created as its platform.
This condition was outlined in a statement issued on Sunday by LND convener Dr. Umar Ardo, alongside 12 senior members of the group, following their strategic review of options for the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
"After examining the proposals of fusing into existing parties like the ADC or SDP versus forming a new party, we have concluded that establishing a fresh political platform offers the most principled and forward-looking path," the statement read.
The coalition, reportedly championed by political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufa'i of Kaduna and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, has been considering either adopting existing parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP), or registering an entirely new political entity.
Why LND Prefers a New Party
Dr. Ardo explained that with approximately two years before the general elections, there is sufficient time to register and build momentum under a new political party. He highlighted concerns about the structural challenges posed by existing political parties.
"The ADC, SDP, and similar platforms already have entrenched leadership structures at ward, local government, state, and zonal levels, many of which are legally binding and resistant to change," he noted.
According to the LND, merging with established parties without achieving total harmonization of interests and control would likely lead to internal conflicts, legal battles, and possible dysfunction that could undermine the coalition's objectives.
"Creating a new platform would help the coalition to start with a clean slate to challenge the ruling APC," Ardo added.
The development comes as various opposition figures continue discussions on forming a formidable alliance to contest against President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Reports indicate that while some coalition members favor adopting existing political structures, the LND's position may influence the direction of these ongoing negotiations.
