The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has announced its support for a coalition of opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election. This decision was formalized in a communiqué issued after the LND's expanded general assembly in Abuja. The group intends to collaborate with the National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Senate President David Mark, to facilitate a “transitional political process” leading up to the election.

Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the LND chairman and former Kano State governor, presided over the meeting, which included 147 leaders and members. Dr. Umar Ardo, the LND Convener, informed journalists that the group is committed to contributing to discussions about either registering a new political party or merging with an existing one. The coalition has established two subcommittees to explore these options: one headed by former Governor Liyel Imoke to assess merging into an existing party, and another chaired by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to consider registering a new party, with Ardo serving as secretary for the latter. Former Governor Nasir el-Rufai suggested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as potential merger options. A final decision is expected by the end of the month. The LND's preference is to register a new party but will support the coalition's ultimate decision.

Addressing national issues, Ardo criticized the increasing insecurity and economic challenges in Northern Nigeria, attributing blame to the region’s 19 governors for their “inertia” in addressing poverty, unemployment, and violence. The LND also condemned what they view as constitutional violations by lawmakers who defected from their parties without losing their seats. Citing Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution, Ardo insisted that any national legislator who defects from their sponsoring party must vacate their seat, pointing to instances in Delta and Kebbi states where entire assemblies defected from the PDP to the APC without consequence. The LND plans to mobilize civil resistance to compel the National Assembly to declare such seats vacant, adhering to constitutional provisions. Furthermore, the group aims to convene a broader meeting of northern political and civil society groups to unify the region’s stance before 2027.

In related news, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State stated that governors would not support the abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), advocating instead for reforms to enhance their capacity. Speaking at the 13th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECON) in Jos, Sule argued that calls to abolish SIECs are misguided, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) faces similar issues. He emphasized that political interference, underfunding, and a lack of public trust are the primary challenges affecting SIECs. Sule believes that blaming SIECs without addressing these underlying structural problems is unjust and that the desire for political control drives calls for SIECs' abolition.

Governor Sule expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical solutions and assured governors’ support for any viable proposals. He refuted allegations that governors are withholding funds from local government councils, suggesting that most councils are underfunded and rely on state support. FOSIECON Chairman Jossy Chibunde Eze called for constitutional respect, greater independence, and financial autonomy for SIECs, lamenting undue pressure from state executives.

The League of Northern Democrats (LND), composed of Northern Nigerian elites, including former governors, senators, academics, and business leaders, has resolved to support the opposition against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. In a communiqué, the group also demanded that federal lawmakers who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Delta and Kebbi should be removed from the National Assembly. The group intends to engage the 19 Northern governors on their perceived inaction regarding the socio-economic challenges in the North.

The LND approved its constitution, minutes of previous meetings, and directed its legal advisor to finalize the registration of the LND as an association. The organization plans to mobilize Northern Nigerians to pressure the government, particularly the National Assembly leadership, to uphold constitutional provisions. They aim to mobilize civil resistance to force the National Assembly to declare the seats of legislators in Delta and Kebbi states who cross-carpeted to other political parties as stipulated by the constitution. The LND will also address the deepening poverty in Northern Nigeria, meeting with the 19 governors of the region to improve the quality of life for the people.