Power Brokers Amaechi and Imoke Set to Shape Nigeria’s 2027 Opposition Alliance!

The former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and his Cross River State counterpart, Liyel Imoke, have been tasked with deciding whether the 2027 opposition coalition should form a new political party or merge with an existing platform.

This was revealed by Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), in a communique announcing the group’s decision to join the coalition following an expanded meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting included notable figures such as former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and many other members of the northern political elite.

The coalition is led by prominent opposition leaders like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ardo explained that Imoke heads the committee exploring the option of merging into an existing party, while Amaechi leads the committee considering the registration of a new political party.

He added that the final decision on whether to join an existing party or establish a new one to advance the coalition’s agenda will be made on May 30.

Ardo stated, “We have resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group in its transitional efforts towards 2027 and to contribute to discussions on whether to register a new political party or to merge into an existing one as a vehicle for our politics.

“The coalition formed two committees to examine the feasibility of registering a new party and the possibility of merging into an existing one. Both committees have submitted their reports.

“The committee on merging is chaired by former Governor Liyel Imoke, while the committee on registering a new party is chaired by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. I served as secretary of the subcommittee on registering a new party.”

Ardo also noted that they are still considering existing platforms such as the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) should the plan to form a mega party not succeed.

“Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai raised concerns that the SDP is interested in merging. Accordingly, the committee set May 30 as the date to decide whether to align with ADP, SDP, or create a new party. The LND supports this process.

“We have also agreed to engage the 19 northern governors regarding the dire situation in the North—marked by widespread poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and destitution. Many of us concur that the biggest challenge is the inertia among these governors.”