Amaechi, Imoke Take Charge as Anti-Tinubu Coalition Gathers Momentum Ahead of 2027

A powerful political realignment is taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Liyel Imoke emerging as strategic leaders in a growing opposition bloc aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s grip on power.

In a major development announced Thursday in Abuja, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) — a rising political movement — endorsed the formation of a broad-based coalition of political heavyweights. At the center of this coalition are Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, and Imoke, former governor of Cross River State, who have been tasked with leading key strategy committees that will determine whether the bloc registers a new party or merges with an existing one.

Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the LND, read the communiqué from the group’s expanded meeting, which brought together prominent northern politicians including ex-Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau. Also reportedly backing the effort are political giants like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai.

“The coalition has set up two major committees,” Ardo said. “Liyel Imoke will head the committee exploring fusion with an existing political party, while Rotimi Amaechi chairs the one examining the feasibility of registering a new party. I am serving as secretary of the latter.”

The coalition is set to make a final decision by May 30 on which direction to take — either to form a brand-new political platform or align with existing parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or Action Democratic Party (ADP).

“Governor El-Rufai informed us that the SDP is keen on being part of the fusion discussions,” Ardo noted. “So, we’ve agreed to decide by the 30th whether to go with ADP, SDP, or launch a new party entirely.”

Beyond political reconfiguration, the LND is also setting its sights on the pressing socioeconomic issues afflicting the North. Ardo disclosed that the group will directly engage all 19 northern governors on the worsening crises of insecurity, poverty, and unemployment.

“We’ve resolved that the major problem facing the North is the inaction of our governors,” Ardo stated firmly. “We will mobilize pressure not just in the North but across the country to demand accountability and constitutional responsibility from our elected officials.”

With influential figures and national momentum gathering behind it, the emerging coalition is positioning itself as a serious contender in the 2027 elections — one that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.