The League of Northern Democrats (LND), has declared it intention to joined a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The Ibrahim Shekarau, former Kano State Governor, led the group announced its decision to align with the National Opposition Coalition Group, chaired by former Senate President David Mark.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the LND views the coalition as a step in a “transitional political process” ahead of the next general elections.
The meeting, chaired by Shekarau, brought together 147 LND members from across the country.
Addressing journalists after the session, LND Convener, Umar Ardo said the group is involved in discussions around forming or joining a new political platform.
“The coalition set up two subcommittees: one led by former Governor Liyel Imoke to assess the feasibility of fusing into an existing political party, and another chaired by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to consider registering a new party. I served as secretary of the subcommittee for the new party registration,” Ardo said.
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He also said former Governor Nasir el-Rufai had proposed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the two existing political parties that the group can use to ventilate it aspiration.
“A final decision is expected on the 30th of this month. Our first preference in the LND is to register a new party, but we will support the coalition’s eventual resolution and assist with the process if the decision is to fuse into an existing party,” Ardo added.
On national issues, the LND criticized insecurity and economic hardship in Northern Nigeria. Ardo accused the region’s 19 governors of failing to address poverty, unemployment, and violence.
He also criticized lawmakers who switch political parties without consequence.
“Any national legislator who defects from the party that sponsored them must vacate their seat,” Ardo said, citing Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution. “In Delta and Kebbi states, entire assemblies defected from the PDP to the APC without consequence.”
He said the LND would respond if the situation continues. “We will mobilise civil resistance to compel the National Assembly to declare such seats vacant in line with constitutional provisions.”
