League of Northern Democrats has revealed why they wouldn’t fused into an already established political party, but float a new political party.
Revealing their strategic direction after exhaustive internal review, wide consultations and critical evaluation of the strategic pathways available to them ahead of the 2027 general elections, LND said it will be safer to float a new party to avoid litigation and other associated unforseen circumstances.
LND noted that fusing into another party without full and prior harmonization of interests and control of structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis.
In a statement entitled “on the strategic direction of the Opposition Coalition Movement,” signed by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of LND and 12 others, the group said, “after carefully examining the two leading proposals – (i) fusing into an existing registered political party, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or (ii) 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.”
Justifying its position and explaining the structural realities and risks in rxisting parties, the group said, “the 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.”
Explaining more of the risk of fusing into another party(s), LND added that “fusing into such parties without full and prior harmonization of interests and control of these structures invites chaos, factionalism, litigation and paralysis.
“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.”
Justifying why a new political party is better, the group said, “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 wary of recycled platforms and failed promises.
Using the experience of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as a good example of why they wouldn’t fused into an already existing party, LND said, “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, the same fate may well befall any hasty fusion lacking ideological clarity or unified control.”
Allaying the fears in some quarters on the time frame to establish a new party, the group 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.
“We assert that the opposition movement we advocate is not just about seizing power. It is about presenting a national rebirth rooted in values, principles and competence.”
LND, has, however resolved to adopt registration of a new party as its first stance and has also initiated the process of registering a new political party, with a unifying name, clear ideology and inclusive leadership charter.
It added that the new party shall reflect the diversity of Nigeria while being rooted in merit, justice, productivity and patriotism, stressing that all conversations and moves toward fusing into existing political parties should be taken as a fallback option, to avoid confusion, division and loss of credibility.
LND said it will commit itself to taking an active role in mobilizing other patriotic actors, civil society voices and young Nigerians to rally behind this new formation as the vehicle for national redemption.
“The challenges of our country demand bold decisions, not expedient compromises. Nigeria is watching and history will judge our choices. We therefore appeal to the leadership and members of the opposition coalition, to embrace this path of clarity, courage and conviction,” the group said.
