2027 power shift: Northern coalition moves to unseat Tinubu as LND enters alliance

DDM News

A growing political alliance aimed at ending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reign in 2027 has received a significant boost.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the League of Northern Democrats (LND), a strategic northern political bloc, officially joined the movement on Thursday.

The declaration was made by Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the LND, during a press briefing in Abuja after the group’s expanded leadership meeting.

According to Ardo, the LND has resolved to participate in the anti-Tinubu coalition, with the intention of influencing the political direction of Northern Nigeria.

He noted that the group is still considering whether to merge with an existing political party or establish a brand-new party to actualize its objectives.

That decision is expected to be finalized by May 30.

The Abuja meeting saw the adoption of the LND’s constitution and confirmation of its leadership structure as part of its internal reorganization.

Ardo stated that the LND reached resolutions on eight key matters, ranging from constitutional approval to strategic alignment.

“We have concluded deliberations and approved our constitution,” Ardo said. “We also affirmed our leadership as the authentic voice of the North.”

Most significant among the resolutions was the decision to assess two political strategies: joining forces with an established party or floating an entirely new one.

To guide this process, the LND constituted two powerful committees headed by prominent political figures.

Former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, is leading the committee handling possible party mergers.

On the other hand, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, heads the committee investigating the option of party registration.

Ardo himself serves as secretary of the latter committee, signaling his hands-on involvement in steering the LND’s future.

Political analysts say the inclusion of the LND has added serious weight to the coalition’s ambition to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

The LND is seen as a strong mobilizing force in Northern Nigeria, with structures that cut across grassroots networks and elite circles.

Observers note that the group’s influence, when combined with other regional blocs, could create an unprecedented challenge for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Discontent is already rising in various parts of the country over governance, security, and economic hardship under Tinubu’s administration.

The coalition’s expansion signals that Nigeria’s political atmosphere is heating up well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts believe that Tinubu’s political dominance could face serious erosion if the opposition maintains unity and clarity of purpose.

The LND’s potential decision to float a new political party is particularly striking, as it may signal a strategic shift to present a fresh platform untainted by previous political failures.

The involvement of heavyweights like Amaechi and Imoke suggests a move toward a broad-based alliance transcending ethnic and religious lines.

It also highlights a potential internal realignment within the power blocs of the North and South.

DDM gathered that the May 30 deadline is now a key milestone in the build-up to 2027.

Whatever the LND decides could either cement the opposition’s momentum or cause a fracturing of the nascent coalition.

But insiders suggest that consultations are already ongoing with various stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones.

This includes former governors, ex-ministers, technocrats, and civil society voices ready to chart a new course for Nigeria.

In the past, coalitions have struggled with internal rivalry and trust deficits, which weakened their capacity to defeat incumbents.

This time, however, the signs point to a more strategic approach, with emphasis on internal cohesion and shared objectives.

Tinubu, who rode on a powerful southern-northern alliance in 2023, may now be facing a formidable counter-force led by familiar political players.

For many Nigerians, the coming elections represent not just a contest between personalities, but a referendum on governance.

The coalition’s rhetoric is focused on rescuing the nation from insecurity, economic decline, and what they describe as poor leadership.

Ardo emphasized that the LND’s move is in response to public demand for purposeful leadership and northern repositioning.

With the northern vote being critical in Nigerian presidential contests, any shift in that region could determine the election’s outcome.

The APC, on its part, remains confident in Tinubu’s second-term bid, with party chieftains already mobilizing across the 36 states.

Some APC loyalists believe that any attempt to dislodge Tinubu will ultimately fail, citing his political resilience and grip on southern power brokers.

But with the LND’s entry, the coalition has taken a more defined northern shape, posing a potential disruption to APC’s calculations.

Nigeria has a long history of unpredictable political alliances and last-minute realignments, often influenced by ethnic sentiment and elite negotiation.

For now, all eyes are on the LND and the broader coalition as Nigerians await the May 30 announcement.

The outcome could either strengthen the opposition’s bid to send Tinubu “back to Lagos” or expose cracks that the APC can exploit.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor developments as the political temperature rises in anticipation of 2027.

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