The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has rejected the option of fusing into the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) and stuck to its resolve to form a new party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They said fusing into other parties without full and prior harmonisation of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis.
They also said there is sufficient time for a serious and focused coalition to register and build a credible new political party before the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in a report signed by 13 committee leaders of LND, including its convener, Dr. Umar Ardo and Ladan Salihu, who heads the media team.
Recall that the league, led by former Kano State governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, after a summit on May 22, disclosed that it was contemplating floating a new party or fusing into an existing one.
The League had listed SDP or ADC as platforms to fuse into if it fails to float the party.
But the submission of committee heads said the opposition coalition should 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.
The committee, in its report, added that the new party would reflect the diversity of Nigeria while being rooted in merit, justice, productivity and patriotism.
While it noted that fusing into existing political parties should be taken as a fallback option, it said the LND remained committed to mobilising other patriotic actors, civil society voices and young Nigerians to rally behind this new formation as the vehicle for national redemption.
The report said the team was carefully examining the two leading proposals; fusing into an existing registered political party such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP); or registering a new political party.
“We conclude that it is best advantageous for the opposition to register a new party platform, presenting the most viable, principled and sustainable path forward,” the report said.
Justifying their position, the report said 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.
“For instance, the ADC Chairman in Adamawa publicly declared that his mandate, secured in December 2022 in the Zaria convention, remains valid until December 2026; by which time the nominations were long over. This reality exists across the country in all existing parties.
“Fusing into such parties without full and prior harmonisation of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis” the report noted.
It also expressed concern over a precedent of failure citing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) experience.
“We note the unfortunate breakdown of the NNPP fusion arrangement involving Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which devolved into disputes over leadership and candidacy even before primaries were concluded. Without sounding negative, same fate may well befall any hasty fusion lacking ideological clarity or unified control.”
The report said 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.
“Nigeria’s democratic space provides adequate legal and operational room to do so, as long as the process begins now.”
The strategic members however asserted that the LND opposition movement is not just about seizing power, but will present a national rebirth rooted in values, principles and competence.
“Fusing into a pre-existing political structure not built for shared vision risks diluting ideals, confusing messages and alienating the very citizens who look to the National Opposition Coalition Group for new hope.
“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. Besides, Ardo and Ladan, other members of the committee are AVM Monday Morgan, chairman, LND Security Committee; Dr. Mohammed Tumala, member, LND Strategic Planning Committee; Senator AbdulRahman Abubakar, chairman, LND Advisory Committee; Rt. Hon. Aminu Shehu Shagari
chairman, LND Political Strategy Bureau; Dr. Bilkisu Magoro, secretary, LND Political Strategy Bureau.
Others are Abraham Onoja, LND Youth Representative; Barr. Mohammed Betara Aliyu Chairman, LND Legal Committee; AVM Alkali Manu, LND Strategic Planning Committee; Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa, LND North East Team; Hajia Ummah Getso, LND Women Representative; and Professor Ibrahim Mohammed Jawa LND Intellectual Team.
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