BREAKING: Liyel Imoke, Amaechi Get Key Appointments as Coalition Gathers Momentum Ahead of 2027

BREAKING: Liyel Imoke, Amaechi Get Key Appointments as Coalition Gathers Momentum Ahead of 2027

 

 

 

A major opposition coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections is beginning to take form, with prominent political figures including former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Liyel Imoke taking on central roles in shaping its future direction.

 

The development was revealed at an expanded meeting of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), held Thursday in Abuja.

 

The meeting, which included several influential northern politicians such as former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, was convened to chart the course of a united opposition front.

 

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, LND Convener Umar Ardo disclosed that two strategic committees have been constituted to consider the coalition’s political vehicle.

 

Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke will lead the committee exploring a merger with an existing party, while former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi will head efforts to potentially register a new political party.

 

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

 

Among the options on the table are alliances with the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Ardo noted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai had reported interest from the SDP in being considered as a merger option.

 

The coalition, which includes heavyweight opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and El-Rufai, is expected to make a final decision on its path forward on May 30, 2025.

 

Beyond political maneuvering, the LND also emphasized its commitment to tackling critical issues affecting the northern region. According to Ardo, the group will engage with the 19 northern governors on challenges including poverty, insecurity, and unemployment.

 

“We resolved to mobilize the North, and by extension all Nigerians, to pressure government—especially legislators—to uphold, defend, and protect the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.

 

As the opposition seeks to consolidate its forces ahead of 2027, political observers are closely watching whether this emerging coalition can present a viable alternative strong enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).