The League of Northern Democrats (LND), a key group within the National Opposition Coalition, has rejected plans to merge with existing political parties like the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), or Social Democratic Party, (SDP). Instead, it has called for the creation of a brand-new political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
LND convener, Dr. Umar Arɗo, announced the decision after consultations and internal reviews, stating that the structural rigidity and leadership disputes in existing parties make them unsuitable for the coalition’s goals.
Arɗo cited examples such as the entrenched leadership in ADC and the failed merger of the NNPP under Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as warnings. He argued that joining existing parties without unified control would lead to “chaos, factionalism, and litigation”.
The LND said it believes a new party offers a clean start and a chance to build an ideologically sound, inclusive, and credible platform. “We must build, not borrow. Lead, not follow”, Arɗo stressed.
The group urged the opposition coalition to begin registering the new party immediately, emphasising that time and legal space exist to build a viable alternative by 2027.
Thirteen senior members signed the resolution, including retired military officers, former lawmakers, and civil society figures.
