2027: Opposition Coalition Sets to Register New Political Party

By Peter Dansu  With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, a major opposition coalition is taking steps to form a brand-new political ...

By Peter Dansu 

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, a major opposition coalition is taking steps to form a brand-new political party—abandoning earlier considerations to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its platform.

The move comes after prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, were reportedly exploring the ADC as a potential unifying vehicle. However, those plans appear to have stalled as internal consensus tilted in favour of building something entirely new.

Confirming the development, the League of Northern Democrats (LND)—a key player in the emerging coalition—said the decision follows months of consultations, internal reviews, and strategic evaluations.

“After a comprehensive internal review and wide-ranging consultations, we have unanimously resolved to pursue the formation of a new political party,” said Dr Umar Ardo, LND Convener, during a press briefing on Saturday.

Ardo explained that the option of merging with existing parties like the ADC and SDP poses significant risks—both structurally and ideologically.

“These parties already have entrenched leadership structures at all levels—ward, local government, state and zonal—which are legally recognised and often resistant to reform,” he noted. “Joining such platforms without full alignment and control would invite internal conflict, factionalism, litigation, and ultimately, dysfunction.”

He pointed to past failed alliances, including the troubled merger involving Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as a cautionary tale the coalition is determined not to repeat.

Dispelling concerns about the timeline, Ardo insisted there is ample time to register and build a viable party before the 2027 polls.

“For any serious and focused movement, the next two years are enough to register a party, articulate its vision, and build a credible nationwide base,” he said. “What we’re pushing for goes beyond just winning elections—it’s about a national rebirth based on values, competence, and a clean break from the past.”

According to the LND, forming a new party offers a “fresh ideological slate,” a unified leadership structure, and a compelling narrative that could appeal to millions of Nigerians disillusioned with existing political platforms.

“A new journey demands a new party—Sabuwar tafiya yakamata a Sabuwar Jam’iya!” the group declared in Hausa, meaning, "A new journey deserves a new party."

In a formal set of recommendations, the LND called on the broader opposition coalition to:

1. Adopt the registration of a new political party as the coalition’s primary strategy;

2. Immediately commence the party registration process, with a unifying name, clear ideological foundation, and inclusive leadership structure;

3. Ensure the new party reflects Nigeria’s diversity, and is anchored on merit, justice, productivity, and patriotism;

4. Treat merging with existing parties as a last resort, not the main plan;

5. Mobilise patriotic citizens, civil society groups, and young Nigerians to rally behind the new political movement as a vehicle for national renewal.

The resolutions were signed by 13 senior members of the LND, including Dr Umar Ardo, AVM Monday Morgan (Retd), Senator AbdulRahman Abubakar, Rt. Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari, Dr Bilkisu Magoro, and Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Retd), among others.

As Nigeria edges closer to another electoral season, this move could significantly reshape the opposition landscape—and potentially the nation’s political future.