In a bold political move, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) has urged the National Opposition Coalition Group to prioritize the creation of a brand-new political party rather than merging with any of Nigeria’s existing platforms.
The recommendation was made public on Saturday by LND Convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, who, along with a dozen senior members of the group, presented the outcome of an internal strategy session held in light of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“Following an exhaustive internal review, wide consultations and critical evaluation of the strategic pathways available to the National Opposition Coalition Group ahead of the 2027 general elections, we, select members of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), in furtherance to our 22 May resolutions, hereby issue the following unanimous resolutions,” Ardo said.
The group weighed two possible directions: joining forces with registered parties like the ADC or SDP, or taking a fresh route by forming a new political organization. After extensive analysis, LND believes the second option is far more advantageous.
“We conclude that it is best advantageous for the opposition to register a new party platform, presenting the most viable, principled and sustainable path forward,” Ardo announced.
He highlighted the difficulties of trying to integrate into existing party structures, warning of entrenched leadership that may resist reform. “The ADC Chairman in Adamawa publicly declared that his mandate, secured in December 2022 in the Zaria convention, remains valid until December 2026, by which time the nominations will were long over. This reality exists across the country in all existing parties,” Ardo explained.
He further argued that such parties carry legal and organizational baggage that could derail the opposition’s plans, adding, “Fusing into such parties without full and prior harmonisation of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis.”
The LND also cited the collapse of the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s alliance with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a warning. “Without sounding negative, same fate may well befall any hasty fusion lacking ideological clarity or unified control,” he said.
Addressing concerns about time constraints, Ardo asserted that the opposition still has sufficient runway to establish a credible political platform. “Contrary to certain fears, the timeframe between now and the 2027 elections is sufficient for a serious and focused coalition to register and build a credible new political party. Nigeria’s democratic space provides adequate legal and operational room to do so, as long as the process begins now.”
The LND also emphasized the need for ideological clarity, stating that a new party could offer a clean break from Nigeria’s traditional political machines. “We assert that the opposition movement we advocate is not just about seizing power. It is about presenting a national rebirth rooted in values, principles and competence,” the group declared.
They added, “Fusing into a pre-existing political structure not built for shared vision risks diluting ideals, confusing messages and alienating the very citizens who look to the National Opposition Coalition Group for new hope.”
Describing the potential of a new party, the LND said, “A new party, by contrast, provides a clean ideological slate, a fresh institutional architecture and a compelling narrative of rebirth, one that can win the hearts and minds of Nigerians weary of recycled platforms and failed promises. Sabuwar tafiya yakamata a Sabuwar Jam’iya!”
The LND’s five-point recommendation included the immediate registration of a new party, the establishment of an inclusive leadership structure, a focus on ideological unity, and a fallback plan to consider existing parties only if absolutely necessary. It also committed to mobilizing grassroots support and engaging civil society and youth movements to back the initiative.
Calling for courage and bold leadership, Ardo concluded, “We therefore appeal to the leadership and members of the opposition coalition, to embrace this path of clarity, courage and conviction. The hour of renewal is now. Let us build, not borrow. Let us lead, not follow.”
Signatories to the resolution included a diverse mix of retired military officers, legal experts, political strategists, youth leaders, and academics, such as AVM Monday Morgan (Retd), Senator AbdulRahman Abubakar, Dr. Bilkisu Magoro, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Retd), and Professor Ibrahim Mohammed Jawa, among others.
