Former governors Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State have been tapped to lead crucial committees within an expanding opposition coalition gearing up for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
This significant development was announced on Thursday in Abuja by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during a press briefing held after an expanded strategy meeting. At the gathering, the LND formally declared its decision to align with the nascent coalition, which saw the participation of other influential northern political figures, including former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau.
According to Dr. Ardo, the burgeoning coalition, which also counts heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai among its ranks, is currently at a critical juncture: deliberating whether to launch an entirely new political party or integrate into an existing platform. Amaechi and Imoke have been tasked with chairing the respective committees responsible for exploring these strategic options.
“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,” Ardo explained. “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.”
A pivotal decision regarding the coalition’s chosen political vehicle is anticipated on May 30th.
Dr. Ardo further revealed that the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are currently under consideration as potential existing platforms, should the coalition ultimately decide against forming a new party. “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,” he added.
This strategic alignment and committee formation signal a concerted effort by a broad spectrum of opposition figures to consolidate their strength and present a formidable challenge in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
