Amaechi, Imoke appointed to lead roles in opposition coalition

DDM News

Former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Liyel Imoke have taken central roles in an emerging opposition coalition preparing for the 2027 general elections.

This development, announced in Abuja on Thursday, was disclosed by Dr. Umar Ardo, the Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during a press briefing held after an extended strategy meeting involving key political figures from Northern Nigeria.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) can confirm that the LND has officially thrown its weight behind the coalition, marking a significant step toward the consolidation of opposition forces ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Among the prominent attendees was former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who joined deliberations focused on the coalition’s political direction.

The meeting featured discussions on two possible paths: the formation of a new political party or the adoption of an existing political platform.

To this end, two strategic committees were formed.

Former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke is heading the committee evaluating the option of merging with an existing party.

Meanwhile, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has been placed in charge of the committee exploring the registration of a new political party.

Dr. Ardo, who also serves as the secretary of the committee investigating new party registration, revealed that a final decision on the political platform would be reached on May 30.

According to Ardo, “We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group for the transitional politics towards 2027 and to contribute to the dialogue on either registering a new political party or fusing into an existing one.”

He further revealed that the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are among the parties under consideration for alignment.

He noted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has advocated for the SDP, stating that the party is open to being adopted by the coalition.

The coming together of these political heavyweights signals the seriousness with which opposition leaders are preparing for the 2027 polls.

Nigeria’s political landscape has witnessed significant realignments in the past, particularly ahead of general elections. The 2023 elections deepened divisions among opposition parties, weakening their ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The formation of a united opposition coalition now appears to be a calculated response to these weaknesses, with seasoned politicians like Amaechi, Imoke, Atiku Abubakar, and El-Rufai taking on leadership roles.

Amaechi, a two-term governor and former Minister of Transportation, has remained influential in southern politics, particularly in the Niger Delta. Imoke, who governed Cross River State from 2007 to 2015, brings extensive experience in party organization and national politics.

The League of Northern Democrats, led by Dr. Ardo, is a northern-based political advocacy group known for championing democratic reforms and Northern political interests. Their inclusion in the coalition marks an important bridge between regional blocs.

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the direction taken by this coalition could significantly shape the opposition’s ability to compete for federal power.

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