The League of Northern Democrats (LND), said it would join the new coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if its conditions are met.
LND, under the leadership of former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau called for the creation of a new political party as a condition for joining the coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
This was contained in statement issued on Sunday by the LND convener, Dr. Umar Ardo, alongside 12 senior members of the group, following a strategic review of available options for the coalition.
Reports indicate that the coalition, championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufa’i (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), among others is looking to adopt either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its platform for the 2027 polls.
It is also considering the registration of a new political party as the platform to challenge Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
However, Ardo said after careful consideration, the LND believes registering a new political party is the most viable and sustainable option.
“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.
He noted that with about two years before the general elections, there is enough time to register and gather momentum under the banner of a brand-new political party, adding that existing political parties pose structural risks that could derail the coalition’s objectives.
“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 explained.
Ardo opined that: “Merging with such parties without first achieving total harmonisation of interests and control would invite internal conflicts, legal battles, and possible dysfunction.”
He added that creating a new platform would help the coalition to start with a clean slate to challenge the ruling APC.