former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Liyel Imoke have been appointed to head committees exploring the formation of Nigeria’s opposition coalition, deciding whether to create a new political party or join an existing one.
This development was revealed in a communique read by Dr Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during an expanded meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and several senior northern political figures.
The coalition is being spearheaded by prominent opposition leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Dr Ardo explained that while Imoke heads the committee exploring the option to merge with an existing party, Amaechi leads the committee examining the possibility of registering a new political party.
“The final decision on whether the coalition will form a new party or join an existing one is scheduled for 30 May,” Dr Ardo said.
He further disclosed that the coalition is currently considering platforms such as the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) should the plan to form a new ‘mega party’ materialise.
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Dr Ardo added, “Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai raised concerns that the SDP is keen on being considered for a merger. Consequently, the committee has set 30 May as the date to decide whether to proceed with ADP, SDP, or establish a new political party. The League of Northern Democrats has resolved to support this process.
“We have collectively agreed that the biggest challenge in the North is the inertia of our governors. We intend to mobilise the North, and indeed all Nigerians, to exert pressure on the government, particularly legislators, to uphold and defend the Nigerian constitution.”
