June 1, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections has resolved to begin the process of registering a new political party, following the rejection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by stakeholders.
The development follows reports that prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, may adopt the ADC as a common platform to challenge the incumbent government.
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a part of the opposition movement, declared that neither the ADC nor SDP could serve the strategic needs of the coalition. LND Convener Dr. Umar Ardo said attempts to merge into existing parties are fraught with structural, legal, and ideological risks.
“The ADC, SDP, and similar existing parties already possess entrenched ward, local government, state, and zonal structures whose leadership tenures remain legally binding and often deeply resistant to reform.
“Fusing into such parties without full and prior harmonisation of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation, and paralysis.”
Dr. Ardo cited examples of past failed alliances, including the collapse of the NNPP fusion with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning of repeating history if the coalition enters a pre-existing party without full control. However, he dispelled concerns that time was insufficient to establish a new party.
“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.
“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 stated that a new party provides a clean ideological slate, a fresh institutional architecture, and a compelling narrative of rebirth.
“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 issued a set of formal recommendations
The opposition coalition will adopt registration of a new party as its first stance and immediately initiate the process of registering a new political party with a unifying name, clear ideology, and inclusive leadership charter. This new party shall reflect the diversity of Nigeria while being rooted in merit, justice, productivity, and patriotism. Conversations and moves toward fusing into existing political parties will be taken as a fallback option.
The LND will commit itself to mobilising other patriotic actors, civil society voices, and young Nigerians to rally behind this new formation as the vehicle for national redemption.
The recommendations were signed by thirteen senior figures within the LND, including Dr. Umar Ardo, AVM Monday Morgan (Retd), Senator AbdulRahman Abubakar, Rt. Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari, Dr. Bilkisu Magoro, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Retd), and others.
