Amaechi, Imoke Appointed to Lead Strategic Committees in Emerging Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, have both been appointed to head vital committees within a fast-rising opposition coalition gearing up for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during a press briefing held after an extended strategy session. The gathering brought together key political players from the North, including former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.

Dr. Ardo explained that the coalition, which features notable names such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is currently weighing two possible strategies: forming a new political party or merging with an existing one. To that end, Amaechi and Imoke have been tasked with overseeing committees assigned to explore these options.

In Ardo’s words, “The coalition set up two committees, among others, to consider the desirability or feasibility of registering a new political party and to consider fusing into an existing political party.” He added, “The committee for fusing into another political party is headed by former Governor Liyel Imoke and the committee for registering a new political party was chaired by erstwhile Governor Rotimi Amaechi. I was the secretary of that subcommittee for the registering of new political parties.”

A final decision on the coalition’s political direction is expected by May 30, 2025.

“We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group for the transitional politics towards 2027 and to contribute in the dialogue on either to register a new political party as the vehicle to drive the politics or fuse into an existing political party,” Ardo revealed.

He also noted that should the coalition decide against forming a new party, existing parties such as the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are being considered as possible platforms.

“Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai brought a complaint that SDP is interested in being considered for the fusing. For that, the committee set up the 30th of this month to decide either to go with ADC, SDP or form a new political party. So, we in the LND here have resolved to support that position,” Ardo added.